At least fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State have escaped from captivity and reunited with their families, bringing a renewed sense of hope to a community still reeling from the trauma of a mass abduction that shocked the nation.
The pupils’ return comes barely two days after armed bandits invaded the Catholic mission school on November 21, 2025, kidnapping a total of 315 persons — including 303 pupils and 12 teachers. The attack, which occurred in the dead of night, left parents devastated and the entire state in panic as security agencies moved into action.
Confirming the escape in a detailed statement issued in Minna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna — who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school — described the development as a “ray of light” amid intense grief and fear.
According to him, the fifty pupils managed to flee their abductors between Friday and Saturday and headed straight to their homes, unable to return to the school premises out of fear. CAN officials later visited several families to verify the reports and confirmed that the children had safely reunited with their parents.
“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,” Bishop Yohanna said.
Despite the encouraging development, a large number of pupils and staff members remain in captivity. The CAN chairman provided a detailed breakdown of those still being held, noting that the school’s primary section had a total of 430 pupils, out of which 377 were boarders and 53 were non-boarding students.
He explained that aside from the fifty pupils who returned home and the 141 who were not abducted during the attack, 236 pupils, along with three children of staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 teachers, remain in the hands of the kidnappers — bringing the total to 253 individuals still unaccounted for.
Rev. Yohanna called for calm, patience, and persistent prayers from Nigerians, assuring that CAN, community leaders, and security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of all those still held hostage.
“As much as we receive the return of these fifty children 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.
The clergy also commended the courageous efforts of the pupils who escaped, describing their return as a testament to resilience and divine intervention even in the face of danger.
Security operatives, community vigilantes, and volunteer groups have intensified search and rescue operations in forested and remote areas where the abductors are believed to be hiding. Although operational details remain classified, officials insist that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure the successful rescue of the remaining captives.
Meanwhile, several families whose children escaped have recounted their emotional reunions, recalling tears, relief, and heartfelt gratitude as their young ones arrived home tired, traumatized, but unharmed. Some pupils reportedly trekked long distances through bushes and rough paths to find safety.
The escape of the fifty pupils has reignited hope across Niger State and the country at large, even as calls continue to mount on the federal and state governments to strengthen security, especially around schools in vulnerable rural communities.
While the return of the escapees brings a measure of comfort, the fate of the remaining 253 individuals remains uncertain. Families, religious groups, and civil society organizations continue to hold prayer vigils, expressing faith that more pupils and teachers will soon regain their freedom.
As the situation develops, the community of Agwara and the entire nation remain united in hope, prayer, and determination to ensure that no child or teacher is left behind.
