50 abducted students abducted from Niger Catholic school escaped, 277 others still in captivity

Chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that 50 students abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state have escaped from captivity.

Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, who confirmed the escape of the pupils in a statement on Sunday, said the students regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and were quietly reunited with their families.

The statement signed by the media aide to the Bishop, Daniel Atori, said the pupils managed to escape from their abductors between Friday and Saturday.

“This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November, 2025, we have received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” the statement read.

“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors,” the statement said.

“In the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.

“Currently, aside 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 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.

“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.