The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, says 50 pupils abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, have escaped from captivity and safely reunited with their families.
In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, confirmed that the children regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and “quietly reunited with their families”.
According to Yohanna, the pupils who escaped were initially unable to return to the school and were only accounted for after school and diocesan officials began tracing parents.
“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 said.
“We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents.”
Providing updated figures, the bishop said the school has 430 pupils in the primary section — 377 of them 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,” he noted.
“As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another three children belonging to our staff, 14 secondary students — making a total of 253 children — including 12 members of staff, still with the abductors.”
Yohanna appealed for calm and continuous prayers as efforts intensify to rescue the remaining abductees.
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“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 added.
The mass abduction at the Catholic school in Niger State has renewed concerns about insecurity in rural communities, particularly the targeting of schoolchildren.
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