JAKARTA - As many as 100 schoolchildren who were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Nigeria last month were finally released. Many of them looked confused but relieved.
Details about their release were not published. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has not said whether or not there is a ransom common in such kidnappings being paid.
At least 303 schoolchildren were kidnapped in Niger state along with their 12 teachers when gunmen attacked St. Catholic School. Mary in the Papiri community on November 21.
Fifty people fled hours later and at least 150 people are still being held, along with the teachers.
The schoolchildren who were released arrived at the Niger government office in the state capital Minna on several buses escorted by military trucks.
They were later accepted by officials who embraced and shook hands with several people, before posing with them in front of the camera.
Niger state governor Mohammed Bago said health workers and experts would " thoroughly examine" the children before they are returned to their parents in Papiri.
"For those who have prayed, please continue to pray," Bago told the government officials and security gathered.
"We look forward to rediscovering the students who are still working on it," he added.
Most of the children released were between 10 and 17 years old, according to the school arriving wearing football shirts, robes, and sandals.
Officials say they have been in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, since news of their release broke out on Sunday evening.
Parents in the faraway Papiri said they were not informed of the release of the 100 children and only found out from the media.
Worried and hopeful, many wonder whether their children are among those released or still detained.
"I'm just worried about his safety, but pray that he too is among those released," said Samuel Musa of his 13-year-old son who was kidnapped at the school.
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