By Ayodele Oni
An update on the abducted students/pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, indicates that 50 of them have successfully escaped from captivity and reunited with their families.
According to an update released on Sunday, 23rd November 2025, the children regained freedom between Friday and Saturday but did not return to the school.
Officials were able to confirm their safety after contacting and visiting their parents.
The attack, carried out by suspected terrorists, led to the abduction of 303 pupils, students, and staff members.
Current records show that 236 primary pupils, three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 teachers, making a total of 253 individuals, remain in captivity.
The school clarified that out of its 430 primary pupils, 377 are boarders, while 53 are day students, with 141 pupils confirmed not to have been abducted.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who confirmed the latest development, welcomed the escape of the 50 pupils but urged the public to remain prayerful and calm.
He assured that the school and church authorities are working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe rescue of all remaining abductees.
To forestall further invasion of schools by bandits, the state government at the weekend announced the closure of all schools, private and public, as well as Tertiary Institutions.
Other states, including Kwara, have also announced closure of schools as security agents continue to end insurgence in the country.
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