The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that fifty children seized during Friday’s attack on St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, have managed to break free from their abductors.
In an update released on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who heads the Niger State chapter of CAN and also serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, disclosed that the children found their way to freedom between Friday and Saturday before “quietly reunited with their families.”
Yohanna explained that the students who fled captivity could not immediately make their way back to the school, prompting officials and community members to reach out to parents for confirmation.
“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.
“Note that, 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 from 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.”
The CAN chairman urged residents, religious communities, and concerned Nigerians to continue offering support as authorities work toward securing the safe release of those still held.
“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.
