Nigeria – Fifty children abducted during last week’s attack on St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have escaped and reunited with their families, bringing a small measure of relief to a community still reeling from the mass kidnapping.
School officials confirmed the development on Sunday, noting that the pupils slipped away from their captors between Friday and Saturday. Unable to return to the school premises after fleeing, staff traced their families to verify their safe return.
The escape follows the abduction of 303 pupils and students when armed terrorists stormed the school earlier in the week. Despite yesterday’s positive news, 253 children and 12 staff members remain in captivity, according to updated figures from the school and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN chairman in Niger State, Proprietor of the school, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the return of the 50 pupils offers hope but emphasized that the crisis is far from over.
“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,” he said in a statement electronically signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori.
Providing a detailed breakdown, the Bishop revealed that the primary section has 430 pupils, of which 377 are boarders and 53 are day students. Out of these, 50 escaped, 141 were not taken during the attack, and 236 pupils — along with three staff children, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff — remain with the abductors.
Yohanna urged residents and stakeholders to remain calm as coordinated efforts with security agencies, community leaders, and relevant authorities continue.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”
He concluded with a prayerful appeal, adding, “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”
Authorities in Niger State are yet to release further operational details, but community members say they remain hopeful that ongoing rescue efforts will lead to the safe return of all those still held.
