Niger state officials have announced schools will begin reopening from January 12, following a mass abduction in November that forced closure. Both public and private schools "in safe and secure areas" will be allowed to open, the state's education ministry said. This decision comes after security checks and meetings with security agencies. In November, over 250 students and staff were kidnapped from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri, western Nigeria, making it one of the worst abductions in Nigeria’s history. Officials confirmed all were rescued just before Christmas. Details on how the release was secured remain undisclosed. Armed criminal gangs, called bandits locally, have long caused violence and kidnappings in Nigeria. Reports have recently risen in the north-central region where schools and places of worship are targeted. The government recently labeled these groups as terrorists. Though paying ransom is illegal, some believe it still happens. Since 2014, more than 1,500 children have been kidnapped from Nigerian schools, including the famous Chibok abduction of 276 girls. The education ministry will release a list of schools allowed to reopen. Those in "unsafe or insecure areas" will stay closed until further assessments. Every returning child must be registered within a week, and data sent to the ministry. Local officials are ordered to provide strong security around school grounds. Despite this, violence continues. Just a day after the reopening announcement, gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji village in Niger state, killing at least 30 people and kidnapping several. The attackers burned the market and looted shops. Abdullahi Rofia from Niger State Emergency Management Agency described residents as "terrified," hiding and too scared to speak out, fearing further attacks. The state balances hope for safer schools with the harsh reality of ongoing violence.