Table of Contents

  1. Escape of Students
  2. Background of the Abduction
  3. Current Status of Students
  4. Call for Calm and Prayer

At least 50 students who were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara local government area of Niger State have reportedly escaped and reunited with their families, bringing hope to the families of the victims.

On November 21, 2025, armed bandits invaded the school, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers, resulting in a total of 315 individuals taken.

The state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Proprietor of the school and the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, provided this update in a statement released by his Media Aide, Daniel Atori, in Minna.

The chairman indicated that the students escaped between Friday and Saturday and have returned to their parents, as they were unable to go back to the school after their escape.

This information was confirmed when we reached out to and visited some parents.

“This is to inform the public that, as of Sunday, November 23, 2025, we have received positive news that fifty students have escaped and reunited with their families. We verified this by contacting and visiting some parents,” the statement revealed.

“For the record, we currently have 251 pupils from the primary section, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers still held by their captors.”

“In the primary section, out of the total of 430 pupils enrolled at the school, 377 are boarders, while the remaining 53 are non-boarders.”

“At present, aside from the 50 students who escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not taken. Therefore, we currently have 236 pupils, along with 3 children of staff members, and 14 secondary students, making a total of 253 children, including 12 staff members, still with the abductors,” the CAN chairman stated.

The cleric urged everyone to remain calm and prayerful, assuring that there will be ongoing collaboration with security forces, community leaders, the government, and relevant authorities to ensure the safe and swift return of all abducted individuals.

“While we are relieved by the return of these 50 children, I encourage everyone to continue praying for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” Bishop Yohanna added.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students have escaped from the abduction?

Fifty students have escaped and reunited with their families.

What is the current status of the remaining abducted students?

Currently, there are 236 pupils, 3 children of staff, and 14 secondary students still being held by the abductors.

What has been done to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims?

The cleric has assured ongoing collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, and the government to facilitate the safe and quick return of all abductees.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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