The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State says 50 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, have escaped from captivity.
In a statement on Sunday, the state CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the pupils regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and “quietly reunited with their families”.
He said officials discovered the escape after reaching out to parents, as the pupils did not return directly to the school.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped,” Yohanna said.
“We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents.”
He explained that the school has 430 pupils in its primary section, out of which 377 are boarders and 53 are day students.
“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 three children belonging to staff, 14 secondary students — making a total of 253 children — including 12 members of staff still with the abductors.”
The CAN chairman appealed for continued prayers and calm as efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees intensify.
“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.
