Niger: 50 kidnapped catholic students escape, reunite with families. 

By Daniel Ebi, Minna 

After a traumatic weekend, it was a cheering Sunday as Fifty out of 303 abducted students and teachers from the St Mary’s Catholic School Papiri in Agwarra local government area of Niger State escaped. 

This was contained in a statement issued Onbehalf of the State CAN Chairman Bishop Yunana Bulus Dauwa by his Media aide. Daniel Atore on Sunday afternoon. 

“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.

He noted that this is coming few days after suspected terrorists attacked and abducted three hundred and three pupils and students.

According to him, 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”

He further explained that,  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.

The State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna said the clarification becomes necessary as he  is also the Proprietor of the school and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.

 “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.

“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees”

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State  Chairman prayed the Lord to grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.