Niger School Abduction toll Clarified As 50 Children Return Home

Fifty pupils kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State have returned home after escaping from their captors.

Their return was confirmed on Sunday by the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, days after armed men invaded the school and seized hundreds of children and staff.

The confirmation came after school officials traced the families of the escaped pupils to verify their identities. The children were said to have reached their homes between Friday and Saturday but did not return to the school, prompting checks by church and school authorities.

CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, provided a detailed breakdown of those still missing. The school had 430 pupils in its primary section, with 377 boarding and 53 as day students. He explained that 141 pupils were not taken during the attack and that 50 have now returned home. Based on the school’s records, 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members remain in captivity, bringing the total to 253.

The church leader, who also oversees the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and owns the school, said the escape of the 50 children brought some relief to families and the wider community. He urged the public to stay calm and continue praying as efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims continue.

He noted that CAN and the school’s management are working with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to ensure the safe return of those still held by the abductors.

Most Rev. Yohanna called for divine help, asking for protection for the community and quick rescue for the children and staff still in captivity.