130 Abducted Students, Teachers Freed in Nigeria; Nigerians Face Danger From Islamist Militants Ahead of Christmas12/23/2025MINNA, Nigeria (AP/WBCL) — Nigerians have welcomed back 130 children and teachers who were released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions in the country’s history. Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock on Monday as they arrived at a government ceremony. Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after gunmen stormed their Catholic school in Niger state’s Papiri community in a predawn attack. Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their families before Christmas. Officials did not say whether a ransom — common in such abductions — had been paid.Meanwhile, even though extreme persecution against Christians in Nigeria has gained more recognition, the situation remains volatile and the approaching Christmas season brings added concern. The organization International Christian Concern says Islamist militants are even more inclined to attack on Christian holidays, with attacks the past two Christmases as well as previous years. Please keep your persecuted Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ in prayer as they prepare to celebrate Christmas. Click here to learn more from ICC about Christmas attacks in Nigeria in recent years.