The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 50 pupils abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger have escaped from captivity.
In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the pupils regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday and returned home quietly to their families.
According to Yohanna, the pupils were initially unaccounted for because they did not return to the school after fleeing. School officials later contacted parents and visited homes, which helped trace the escaped children.
The bishop provided a detailed breakdown of the school’s population and the number of children still in captivity.
He noted that St Mary’s Primary School has 430 pupils, 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,” he said.
Yohanna added that 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 members of staff remain with the abductors, bringing the total number still held captive to 253 people.
The CAN chairman urged residents to remain calm and prayerful while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining children and staff.
“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 said.
Security agencies have not yet issued an official update on operations to rescue those still held by the attackers.
Melissa Enoch
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