Over 300 children were kidnapped from St Mary's Catholic School in Papiri village, Niger state, Nigeria on 21 November. About 250 children remain missing, some as young as five. Parents, like Aliyu, fear speaking out due to threats from kidnappers who may harm anyone talking against them. Bandit gangs, often ethnic Fulani nomadic herders, raid schools for ransom. Recent kidnappings also hit girls in Maga, Kebbi state. Villagers live near bandit hideouts but avoid confronting them for safety. Previous kidnappings led to deaths from illness or unpaid ransoms. The Nigerian government suspects jihadists, but locals blame inside help for the raids. Some communities in northwest Nigeria, exhausted by violence, have struck peace deals with bandits, giving them mining access or trade rights to reduce attacks. In Katsina state, peace talks led to school reopenings and release of some captives, with bandit leaders agreeing to stop violence. Leaders say armed talks help protect communities but security forces have struggled to end violence alone. Analysts warn bandits may shift south to richer areas but say a mix of military force and negotiations is key. Meanwhile, parents like Aliyu pray for their children's safety, caught between fear and hope for peace.