Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from captivity, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state.
In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN and Catholic bishop of Kontagora diocese, said the pupils regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and “quietly reunited with their families”.
The development comes days after armed men invaded the school and abducted 303 pupils, students, and staff, triggering widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved security in the state.
The CAN Chairman said the school, community leaders, religious bodies, and government authorities are working with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all those still held by the abductors.
“We call on everyone to stay calm and remain hopeful as efforts continue. May the Lord grant quick release to the abducted and protect His people,” he said.
