The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that fifty students who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, have escaped from captivity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, revealed that the pupils regained their freedom “between Friday and Saturday” and “quietly reunited with their families.”
He explained that the students did not return to the school after escaping, which prompted officials to reach out to parents to verify their whereabouts.
According to him, “The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents.”
Yohanna went on to clarify the school’s population and the number of students still missing. He noted that the primary section has a total of 430 pupils, with 377 of them being boarders and 53 non-boarders.
He said, “Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away.”
He further disclosed that “as it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Appealing for calm, Yohanna urged the public to remain supportive as efforts continue to secure the release of those still in captivity. He said, “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.”
