50 Niger Catholic School Students Escape Abduction, Reunite with Families – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that fifty students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, have successfully escaped from captivity.

In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN’s Niger State chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the students regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday and quietly reunited with their families.

“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped,” Yohanna said.

He added that officials contacted parents to verify the students’ whereabouts after they were unable to return to the school immediately.

“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 of 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors,” he said.

Yohanna urged the public to remain calm and supportive while authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

“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.

Opinion Nigeria News