In Minna, Niger State, a measure of hope has returned to families of victims abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, following the escape of at least 50 students who have since reunited with their parents.
The students were part of a mass abduction that took place on the 21st of November, 2025, when armed bandits reportedly stormed the school and kidnapped a total of 315 people, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
The update on the escape was provided by the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and the Proprietor of the school. Bishop Yohanna’s Media Aide, Daniel Atori, issued the statement in Minna, confirming the development.
The escapees, described by the chairman as pupils, managed to flee their captors “between Friday and Saturday” and proceeded directly to their homes instead of returning to the school premises.
In a key clarification, the statement disclosed: “This is to notify the public that, as at Sunday 23rd November, 2025 we have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents.”
Despite this positive news, a large number of students and staff remain captive. Bishop Yohanna provided a detailed breakdown of the remaining abductees:
“For the records, we now have Primary 251 pupils, 14 Secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors.”
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The cleric also offered an insight into the student population at the time of the incident, noting that the primary section has 430 pupils in total, of which 377 are boarders and 53 are non-boarders.
Further clarifying the current situation, the CAN Chairman stated: “Currently, aside from 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 of 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Bishop Yohanna urged the public to remain steadfast and “calm and prayerful”, assuring continuous, active collaboration with “security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”
He concluded his statement by expressing guarded relief and a call for continued spiritual support: “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.”