50 Kidnapped Pupils Break Free in Niger, Reunite With Families as Search Continues for 277 Others

|By Chinwendu Nwani

At least 50 abducted pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State have escaped, sparking relief among distraught families still awaiting the return of their children.

The students, part of the 315 victims seized when armed bandits invaded the school on November 21, 2025, reportedly fled their captors between Friday and Saturday and independently found their way back to their homes.

The update came from the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also owns the school and serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese. In a statement issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori, Yohanna confirmed that the pupils could not return to the school after their escape, prompting officials to trace and visit parents to verify the development.

“As of Sunday, November 23, 2025, we have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and reunited with their parents. We were able to ascertain this after contacting and visiting some families,” the statement said.

Despite the breakthrough, 251 primary school pupils, 14 secondary school students, and 12 teachers remain in captivity, leaving security agencies and community leaders under pressure to intensify rescue efforts.