The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 50 pupils abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA, have escaped from captivity.
In a statement on Sunday, the CAN Chairman in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the pupils regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday after fleeing and quietly returning home to their families.
According to the bishop, the pupils were initially unaccounted for because they did not return to school after escaping. School officials later reached out to parents and visited homes, which helped trace the returning children.
He provided a breakdown of the school’s population and the number of victims still in captivity, noting that St Mary’s Primary School has 430 pupils — 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 taken,” Yohanna explained.
He further disclosed that 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members remain with the abductors, bringing the total number still in captivity to 253.
The CAN chairman appealed to residents to remain calm and prayerful as efforts intensify to secure the release of the remaining children and staff.
“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,” Yohanna said.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official update on ongoing rescue operations.
