50 pupils abducted from Niger State Catholic school have escaped, says CAN
Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from captivity.
Armed attackers stormed the school in the early hours of Friday, shooting a security guard and abducting more than 200 pupils, students, and 13 teaching and non-teaching staff.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna—who also owns the school—initially reported that 215 students and 12 staff members had been taken. By Saturday, he noted that 88 students were still unaccounted for.
However, in a statement released by his aide, Daniel Atori, on Sunday, November 23, the Reverend confirmed that the pupils who escaped on Saturday had been reunited with their 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 statement read.
Rev. Yohanna said the school operates both boarding and day sessions.
According to him, the primary section has 430 pupils, out of which 377 are boarders and 53 day pupils.
“Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not taken. As it stands now, 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members remain with the abductors.”
Yohanna appealed for continued prayers and calm as efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims continue.
“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.
