Fifty pupils who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, on Friday have reportedly escaped and reunited with their parents, the school authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Their escape comes just days after terrorists attacked the school and abducted a total of 303 pupils and students and 12 teachers.
However, the pupils reportedly fled between Friday and Saturday but could not return to the school after escaping.
The school administration verified their safe return by contacting and visiting the parents of the rescued pupils.
According to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, 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.”
The update was signed electronically by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Bishop, Most Rev. Yohanna.
“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors,” the statement said.
“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 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.”
Yohanna appealed for calm and continued prayers, stressing ongoing collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, government officials, and relevant authorities to ensure the safe and swift release of all abductees.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers,” he added.
