Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary's Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from captivity. Armed men attacked the school in the early hours of Friday, shooting a security guard and abducting more than 200 pupils and students, along with 13 teaching and non-teaching staff. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the proprietor of the school, had earlier said 215 students were abducted alongside 12 staff. But by Saturday, he said 88 more students could not be accounted for. However, in a statement his aide, Daniel Atori, issued on his behalf, on Sunday, November 23, the Reverend said the pupils who escaped on Saturday had since been reunited with their families. This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November 2025, we have received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents, the statement read. Rev. Yohanna said the school operates both boarding and day sessions. According to him, the primary section has 430 pupils, out of which 377 are boarders and 53 day pupils. Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not taken. As it stands now, 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members remain with the abductors. Yohanna appealed for continued prayers and calm as efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims continue. 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, he added.
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