About 50 students who were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State last Friday, have escaped.
This development was made known by the chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, and the Catholic bishop of the Kontagora Diocese.
He said, “The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents, as they could not return to the school after they escaped.
“We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents. Note that, in the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.
“Currently, aside from 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, and 14 secondary students, making a total of 253 children, including 12 members of staff with the abductors.
“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.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we collaborate with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe and swift return of all abductees.”