Strong emotions and optimism remain following school abduction in Nigeria

Samaila Livinus has been holding back his sorrow, trying to remain strong while waiting for news about his five-year-old son, one of hundreds of children abducted from their dormitories in one of Nigerias largest mass kidnappings. Two weeks later, emotions remain intense, but hope persists for the childrens safe return.

"You try not to cry, to stay composed to support the family," Livinus said, struggling to comfort his wife, who often goes without eating during the day.

At home, the boys siblings, aged nine and three, constantly ask about their missing brother. "As a father, you have to stay strong," said the 44-year-old, soft-spoken Livinus.

Parents have endured trauma since armed attackers raided St. Marys Catholic boarding school in the remote village of Papiri, Niger State, abducting over 300 children. While 50 children managed to escape and return home, 265, including teachers and staff, remain in captivity, according to school officials.

Authorities in Nigeria have been negotiating with the kidnappers for the childrens release. Security sources report that the location of the captives has been identified.

Since the early morning call informing him that his son was among the kidnapped children, life has drastically changed for the Livinus family.

Emotionally exhausted, Livinus, a maize and beans farmer, rarely leaves home, receiving visitors who offer words of encouragement. His other children have been deeply anxious, struggling with uncertainty about their brothers fate.

"The stress has been overwhelming," Livinus said, recalling that he had never felt such grief, even after losing both his parents and a child the previous year. Standing in his garden in Minna, 500 kilometers from Papiri, he described enduring severe psychological trauma.

"Even when you feel like crying, you have to hide it to prevent the mother from collapsing," he explained. "If it were death, you could bury the child but here, you dont know what the poor child is experiencing."

He shared that a friend, whose two children were also abducted, succumbed to cardiac complications from the shock shortly after the kidnapping. Livinus has also been concerned about his sons health, as the child requires ongoing medication for an undisclosed condition.

Turning to prayer and fasting, Livinus recites the rosary multiple times daily, hoping for divine help in securing the childrens release. Despite his inner anguish, he maintains a calm exterior, presenting himself neatly and with a composed demeanor.

On Monday, Nigerias National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Kontagora to meet with the bishop and school officials. Ribadu assured them that the children were safe and would soon be returned.

"His visit renewed our hope," Livinus said. "We believe the federal government will act. We remain hopeful."

Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of the Kontagora diocese expressed relief after Ribadus assurance. "He confirmed the children are safe and in good condition. Its only a matter of time before they return. It can happen at any moment."

Following Ribadus visit, the bishop reported that he was finally able to rest and sleep at night.

Mass kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, with armed gangs targeting rural areas for ransom. However, the abduction on November 21 sent shockwaves nationwide, drawing international attention and calls for stronger action to protect vulnerable communities.

Author: Ava Mitchell