The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that fifty students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, have escaped from captivity.
In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and Catholic bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, disclosed that the pupils regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and “quietly reunited with their families.”
According to Yohanna, the students who fled were unable to immediately return to the school, prompting officials to reach out to parents to verify their safety. “The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped,” the statement reads.
He explained that the school has a total of 430 pupils in its primary section, with 377 boarders and 53 day students. “Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away,” Yohanna said.
He added that, at present, 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff members, and fourteen secondary-school students remain with the abductors, bringing the total number of captives to 253, including twelve members of staff.
Yohanna appealed for patience and prayers as efforts continue to rescue those still in captivity. “We urge everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we collaborate with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe and swift return of all abductees,” he said.
