50 Pupils Escape Abduction in Niger State, Return to Families

Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped captivity and reunited with their parents. The school authorities confirmed that the pupils fled between Friday and Saturday after armed gunmen abducted a total of 303 children and 12 teachers from the school on Friday. Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and proprietor of the school, stated that the escapees returned quietly to their families but could not return to the school.

Currently, 253 pupils, 12 teachers, and 3 children of school staff remain in captivity following the attack. The school, located in a remote community of Papiri, is connected to a primary school complex with over 50 structures including classrooms and dormitories. The incident happened despite prior intelligence warnings, and authorities have deployed tactical squads alongside local hunters to rescue the remaining abductees. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. The school administration continues to appeal for prayers and support for the safe release of all victims ​.

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