Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
Earlier, 50 pupils escaped out of 303 pupils abducted from the school and they have since reunited with their families.
The confirmation by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state came days after suspected terrorists on November 21, 2025, stormed the school and abducted a total of 303 pupils, students, and staff.
Recall that the number of students and teachers abducted from the school increased to 315, including 12 teachers, up from the earlier figure of 227.
In a statement in Minna by his media aide, Prince Dan Atori, the Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and returned home, 141 pupils were not abducted at all. This leaves “236 pupils, another three children belonging to staff, 14 secondary school students—making 253 children—as well as 12 staff members still with the abductors.”
However, with 100 released according to the federal government, 153 pupils and 12 teachers are still held captive.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the release of the 100 schoolchildren, including whether negotiations were involved, remain unclear.
However, sources confirmed to Channels TV that the rescued pupils are currently receiving medical evaluation and will be reunited with their families after debriefing.
