BREAKING NEWS: 50 Pupils Escape from Niger School Abductors as School Confirms Safe Reunification Amid Ongoing Search for Remaining Victims

Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, have reportedly escaped from captivity and reunited with their families, the school authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The development marks a rare moment of relief following a horrifying attack in which terrorists abducted 303 pupils and students from the school.

According to officials, the pupils managed to flee between Friday and Saturday but were unable to return to the school premises immediately after their escape. Instead, the school administration contacted and visited their parents to verify their safe return.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Proprietor of the school, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, expressed cautious relief, stating: “as much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped 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 update, signed electronically by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to Bishop Yohanna, also provided detailed figures on the number of victims still in captivity.

The statement read:

“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors.”

It further explained the population breakdown of the institution:

**“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 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.”**

Calling for calm and unity, Bishop Yohanna emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining captives. He said:

“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”

He added a final prayerful appeal:

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”

Authorities and community stakeholders remain fully mobilized as the nation continues to await further hopeful updates regarding the safe recovery of the remaining victims.