Fifty of the school pupils abducted from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State have reportedly escaped from their captors and reunited with their families.
The Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, announced this on Sunday in a statement issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori.
He revealed that the development was confirmed during a visit to the parents of the children.
The chairman explained that the school currently has 236 pupils in captivity, including three children of staff members and 14 secondary students, bringing the total to 253 children and 12 staff members still held by the abductors.
“This is to inform the public that as of Sunday, November 23, 2025, we received good news that fifty (50) pupils have escaped and reunited with their parents,” he stated.
“This comes just days after suspected terrorists attacked and abducted 303 pupils and students.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have returned to their parents, as they could not return to the school after their escape. We confirmed this when we contacted and visited some parents,” the statement noted.
Yohanna added that in the primary section, there are a total of 430 enrolled pupils, with 377 being boarders and the remaining 53 day students.
“Currently, aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not abducted.
“As it stands, we have 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff, and 14 secondary school students — making a total of 253 children — in addition to 12 staff members held by the abductors,” he explained.
While expressing relief at the return of the 50 children, the CAN chairman appealed for continued prayers for those still in captivity.
“While we welcome the return of these 50 children with some relief, I urge everyone to continue praying for the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
“I call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful. We will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, the government, and relevant authorities for the safe and swift return of all abductees.
“May the Lord grant a quick release to those still held captive and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” Yohanna said.
The state police command has not yet commented on the situation.
PUNCH Online reports that a total of 315 individuals — including pupils, students, and teachers — were abducted from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, on Friday.
The incident prompted the state governor, Mohammed Bago, to order the closure of schools across the state on Saturday.
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