Fifty pupils kidnapped from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State have escaped from their abductors and returned home, according to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna.
Yohanna confirmed the development on Sunday in a statement issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori. He said the information emerged after officials visited some of the families affected by the attack.
The bishop explained that despite the return of the 50 children, a significant number of victims remain in captivity. He noted that the school had 430 pupils in its primary section, with 377 boarders and 53 day students.
“This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November 2025, we received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents.
“This comes just a few days after suspected terrorists attacked and abducted 303 pupils and students.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents, as they could not return to the school after escaping. We were able to ascertain this when we contacted and visited some parents,” the statement read.
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Yohanna added that aside from those who escaped, 141 pupils were not abducted during the attack. He said the number of those still being held includes 236 pupils, three children of staff members, and 14 secondary school students — a total of 253 children — in addition to 12 members of staff.
While expressing relief over the escape of the 50 pupils, the CAN chairman urged Nigerians to remain prayerful and hopeful for the safe return of others still in captivity.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with some sigh of relief, I urge everyone to continue in prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.
“I call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful. We will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” he said.
The Niger State Police Command has not yet issued an official response to the development.
News Round The Clock earlier reported that a total of 315 people — including pupils, students, and teachers — were taken during the attack on Friday at the school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. The incident led Governor Mohammed Bago to order the closure of all schools across the state on Saturday.
