Niger abduction: 50 pupils escape, reunite with families, 253 still in captivity – CAN
Agency report
50 pupils abducted by gunmen from Papiri Catholic school in Agwara local government of Niger state on Friday, have escaped and reunited with their families while 253 children are still in captivity.
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state chapter and Proprietor of the Catholic school Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna stated this on Sunday in an update on the situation.
Rev. Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese explained that the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday.
According to the update issued, the Media aide to the Chairman, Dan Atori, said “This is to notify the public that as at Sunday 23rd November, 2025 we have received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents.
“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors”, he explained.
This is coming few days after suspected terrorists attacked and abducted three hundred and three pupils and students.
He explained that the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped, adding that, “we were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents”.
He said that the primary section has total number of 430 pupils out of which 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non boarders.
He said, “as much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims”.
He called on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as they continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.
