50 abducted pupils escape as rescue efforts intensify in Niger State
Story by Okafor Vivian
Fifty of the more than 300 children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, have successfully escaped from their captors.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, confirmed the development on Sunday. According to Daniel Atori, media aide to CAN Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the pupils regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday and have since reunited with their families.
CAN explained that a follow-up verification with parents revealed the escapees returned home directly rather than back to the school. The association also clarified the school’s enrollment at the time of the attack, stating that the primary section had 430 pupils—377 boarders and 53 day students.
READ ALSO: Niger State shuts all schools after mass abduction of students and teachers
Based on the latest assessment, those still with the abductors include 236 pupils, 3 children belonging to staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 members of staff, bringing the total number still in captivity to 253.
Bishop Yohanna, who is also the proprietor of the school, expressed gratitude for the children who escaped but emphasized the need for continued prayers and coordinated action to secure the release of the remaining victims. He appealed for calm, assuring parents and the public that CAN is working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure a safe and swift rescue operation.
Following further checks and a detailed census, CAN revised the total number of abducted persons to 315, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers. The update came after it was discovered that an additional 88 students previously assumed to have escaped were also captured during their attempt to flee.
READ ALSO: Niger government blames Catholic school for abduction of students
Bishop Yohanna also addressed reports suggesting the school received prior security warnings before the attack. He dismissed the claims as misinformation, noting that neither the Catholic Diocese, the school’s management, nor local education authorities received any circular or directive advising closure. He stressed that the Diocese has a history of acting promptly whenever credible security concerns arise and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to safety and compliance with government directives.
He urged the public to focus on constructive support for rescue operations rather than circulating unverified claims. He added that while the escape of 50 children brings some relief, the priority remains the safe return of all abducted children and staff. He prayed for divine protection over those still in captivity and for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
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