Fifty pupils kidnapped from St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from captivity and have been reunited with their families, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The school was attacked in the early hours of Friday by armed assailants who shot a security guard and abducted over 200 pupils and students, along with 13 teaching and non-teaching staff members.
In an initial report, CAN Chairman in Niger State and the school’s proprietor, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, stated that 215 students and 12 staff were abducted during the attack. However, by Saturday, 88 additional students were reported missing.
A Sunday statement issued by Rev. Yohanna’s aide, Daniel Atori, confirmed the escape of fifty pupils on Saturday. “This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23 November 2025, we have received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” the statement said.
Rev. Yohanna also provided details on the school’s enrollment, noting that St. Mary’s operates both boarding and day school sessions. The primary section has 430 pupils—377 boarders and 53 day students.
Regarding those still missing or held captive, he explained, “Aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and returned home, 141 pupils 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.”
Security agencies are reportedly intensifying rescue efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The situation remains a high priority as authorities continue to respond.
