In a significant development following Friday's mass abduction at a Catholic educational institution in Niger State, fifty pupils have successfully escaped from their captors and returned to their families.
Mass Abduction at St. Mary's Schools
Armed attackers stormed St. Mary's Primary and Secondary Schools located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area during the early hours of Friday. The assailants shot a security guard before seizing more than 200 pupils and students, along with thirteen teaching and non-teaching staff members.
The Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who serves as both the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and proprietor of the affected school, initially reported that 215 students and twelve staff had been taken. By Saturday, the situation appeared even more dire as eighty-eight additional students could not be accounted for.
Breakthrough as Pupils Escape
Hope emerged on Sunday, November 23, 2025, when Reverend Yohanna's aide, Daniel Atori, issued a statement confirming the escape. Fifty pupils managed to break free from captivity on Saturday and have since been safely reunited with their relieved families.
"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 official statement read.
Current Situation and Appeal for Calm
Reverend Yohanna provided detailed enrollment figures, explaining that the school operates both boarding and day sessions. The primary section alone has 430 pupils, comprising 377 boarders and 53 day students.
The current status reveals that 236 pupils, three children of staff members, fourteen secondary school students, and twelve staff remain with the abductors. Meanwhile, 141 pupils were fortunate to avoid capture during the initial attack.
The school proprietor appealed for continued prayers and maintained calm as collaborative efforts with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities intensify. "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," Yohanna emphasized.
The escape of these fifty pupils represents a significant development in what remains a serious security situation, with efforts continuing to secure the release of all remaining captives.
