Fifty students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from their captors and reunited with their families, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Chairman of CAN in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Minna by his Media Aide, Daniel Atori.
Armed bandits had stormed the school on November 21, 2025, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers, bringing the total number of victims to 315.
Bishop Yohanna revealed that the 50 pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and made their way home but did not immediately return to the school, prompting verification visits by school officials.
“We have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents. We were able to ascertain this when we contacted and visited some parents,” he said.
The bishop also released the full list of the 50 pupils who regained freedom. They include Samson Bitrus, Emmanuel Francis, Amos Mathew, Timothy Peter, Ayuba Victor, Bulus Emmanuel, Bulus Samaila, Caleb Hossa, Catherine Emmanuel, Christopher Ezekiel, Dominic Daniel, Dominic Elisha, Elisha Haruna, Ezekiel Yakubu, Ezekiel Emmanuel, Ezekiel Samuel, Ezekiel Plus, Ezra James, Femi Peter, Gloria Jeremiah, Godiya Mathew, Ibiya, Ishaaya David, Joseph Sunday, Julius Paul, Justina Adamu, Keziah Musa, Lawrence James, Lawrence Yohanna, Marcus Bulus, Mariam Joshua, Mathew Dauda, Micah Luka, Michael Jacob, Musa Timothy, Naomi Bulus, Nicodemus Ibrahim, Peter Jonathan, Priscilla Peter, Emmanuel Godwin, Samaila Dauda, Stephen Andrew, Sunday Shadrach, Victoria David, Victoria Ishaku, Vincent Emmanuel, Yahaya Sani, Yakubu Saminu, Yunusa Musa and Yusuf Sunday.
Providing an updated breakdown of the school population, Bishop Yohanna said that out of 430 pupils in the primary section, 377 are boarders, while 53 are day students.
He further explained that aside from the 50 pupils who escaped, 141 pupils were not abducted during the attack. Presently, 236 primary pupils, 3 children of staff, 14 secondary students—making a total of 253 children—alongside 12 teachers remain in captivity.
The Bishop appealed for calm and continued prayers as efforts intensify to secure the safe release of the remaining abductees.
“We urge everyone to remain peaceful and prayerful. We are actively collaborating with security agencies, community leaders, government authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure the safe and quick return of the remaining victims,” he said.
The abduction has drawn national and international condemnation, including strong demands for immediate rescue from religious, community, and global leaders.
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