Fifty of the more than 300 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have managed to escape from their captors, according to an update from the Christian Association of Nigeria on Sunday
Daniel Atori, media aide to CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the children fled between Friday and Saturday and have since reunited with their families. He explained that the pupils ran straight home after escaping, which prompted CAN officials to reach out to parents for confirmation.
He noted that the school has 430 pupils in its primary section, with 377 boarders and 53 day students. Out of the abducted group, 50 have returned home, 141 were never taken, and 236 pupils remain in captivity, along with three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students and 12 staff members — bringing the total number still held by the abductors to 253.
Atori said Bishop Yohanna, who also owns the school, appealed for calm and urged continued prayers for the safe return of the remaining victims. “As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
The mass abduction occurred on Friday when terrorists stormed the school. Although early reports suggested 227 victims, CAN’s updated census confirmed that 315 people were taken — 303 students and 12 teachers.
Bishop Yohanna said the revised figures emerged after more parents reported their children missing, revealing that an additional 88 students had been captured after initially attempting to escape.
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