Abuja – The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced on Sunday that fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, have escaped from captivity. In a statement, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger State CAN and Catholic bishop of Kontagora diocese, said the children regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday and “quietly reunited with their families”. He added that the pupils who escaped were unable to return to the school immediately, but were traced after officials contacted and visited some parents.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped,” the statement reads. “We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents.” The statement provided a breakdown of the school’s enrolment: of the 430 pupils enrolled, 377 are boarders and 53 are non‑boarders. It said that aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and have returned home, 141 pupils were not carried away, leaving 236 pupils still in the school. In addition, three children of staff, 14 secondary students and 12 members of staff remain with the abductors, bringing the total number of children and staff still held to 253.
Bishop Yohanna appealed for continued prayers and calm while efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees continue. “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.
The CAN statement did not specify how the pupils managed to escape, but emphasized that the organization is working closely with security forces and local leaders to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
