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.
According to a statement on Sunday, the students regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday and quietly reunited with their families. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN chairman in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, provided the update.
Bishop Yohanna said the pupils who escaped could not immediately return to the school, but their whereabouts were traced after CAN officials contacted and visited some parents. “We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents,” the statement read, confirming the students’ safe return to their families.
The statement provided a breakdown of the school’s primary section, noting that out of 430 pupils, 377 are boarders while 53 are non-boarders. This shows the scale of the school and the challenge faced during the abduction incident.
CAN further explained that aside from the 50 pupils who have escaped, 141 pupils were not taken during the attack. This leaves a significant number still in the hands of the abductors. The association continues to monitor the situation closely.
Currently, 236 pupils remain abducted along with three children of staff and 14 secondary students, bringing the total number of children in captivity to 253. In addition, 12 staff members are still with the abductors, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the area.
Bishop Yohanna appealed for calm and prayers as efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining abductees. “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.
