St. Mary School Abduction: 50 Pupils Escape, Reunite With Families in Niger State
“Fifty pupils have escaped from captivity following the St. Mary School abduction in Niger State and reunited with their families. Authorities confirm that 253 victims are still being held by terrorists. Rev. Bulus Yohanna urges calm and continued prayers as security agencies, the church, and community leaders work toward their safe rescue.”
Sunday, November 23, 2025 | Minner
Fifty pupils kidnapped during the St. Mary School abduction in Papiri, Niger State, have escaped and safely reunited with their families following Thursday night’s attack by suspected terrorists.
School authorities earlier reported that 303 pupils and students were abducted in the raid.
Bishop Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Proprietor of the school, confirmed the development on Sunday in an update issued by his media aide, Mr. Daniel Atori.
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday but were too terrified to return to the school premises. Their return was confirmed through phone calls and personal visits to their families.
Giving a breakdown of the school’s population, Yohanna said the primary section has 430 pupils-377 boarders and 53 day pupils. He stated that 141 pupils were not taken during the attack, while 50 escaped from captivity.
He added that 236 pupils, three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members are still in captivity, bringing the total number of those held by the abductors to 253.
Yohanna appealed for calm and continued prayers, assuring that the school and the church are working with security agencies, community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with a sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” he said.
He prayed for the swift release of the abductees and divine protection for the community as efforts intensify to end the St. Mary School abduction tragedy.
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EXCERPT (35 words):
Fifty pupils abducted during the St. Mary School abduction in Niger State have escaped and reunited with their families, while 253 victims remain in captivity as security agencies intensify rescue efforts.
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