Dare Babalola
At least 50 students kidnapped at the St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government, Niger State have allegedly escaped and reunited with their parents, bringing hope to families of the abducted victims.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
The schoolchildren, aged between 10 and 18, escaped individually between Friday and Saturday, according to the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the CAN in Niger State.
“We have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” said CAN.
The chairman said they were able to ascertain the development when they decided to contact and visit some parents.
“This is to notify the public that, as at Sunday 23rd November, 2025 we have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents.
“For the records, we now have Primary 251 pupils, 14 Secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors.
“In the primary section out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non boarders.
“Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total of 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors,” the CAN chairman stated
The cleric called on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as he assured of continous active collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.
“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,” Bishop Yohanna concluded.
