Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State have escaped and safely reunited with their families, the school authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Their escape comes days after terrorists invaded the school and kidnapped 303 pupils, students, and staff. According to officials, the children fled their captors between Friday and Saturday but did not return directly to the school. Instead, the school administration verified their return by contacting and visiting their parents.
In a statement issued by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the bishop expressed cautious relief at the development.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” he said.
Providing updated figures, the bishop disclosed that 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers remain in captivity.
He further clarified that the primary section has 430 pupils, of whom 377 are boarders and 53 are day students. Following the abduction, 141 pupils were confirmed not taken, while the recent escape adds 50 to the number of those who have safely returned. In total, 236 pupils, three children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members—amounting to 253 persons—remain with the abductors.
Bishop Yohanna appealed for calm and continued prayers, assuring that the school and the church are working closely with security agencies, community leaders, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we continue to collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees,” he said.
He also prayed for divine intervention, asking, “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers.”
