Fifty pupils earlier kidnapped from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have regained their freedom after escaping from their captors.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Daniel Atori.
According to Yohanna, the development came to light during visits to the families of the abducted pupils, where it was confirmed that the children had made their way home between Friday and Saturday.
“This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November 2025, we received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” the statement said.
He noted that the pupils were unable to return to the school after fleeing from captivity, prompting parents to alert church officials of their safe return.
The Bishop, however, clarified that a significant number of victims remain in captivity. He said the school currently accounts for 236 pupils still held by the abductors, including three children of staff members and 14 secondary school students. Along with 12 staff members, the total number of persons yet to regain freedom stands at 253.
The recent mass abduction, which occurred days earlier, involved 303 pupils and students after suspected terrorists stormed the school in the early hours of Friday.
CAN appealed for intensified prayers and swift government action to secure the release of those still in captivity.
