The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has confirmed that 50 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State have escaped captivity and reunited with their families.
In a statement issued Sunday, Bishop Yohanna released the names of the freed pupils, describing their return as “a ray of hope” amid the ongoing crisis. He, however, stressed that hundreds remain in captivity.
“We thank God for the safe return of 50 of our children. But the situation remains dire, as more than 236 pupils and 12 staff members are still being held by their abductors,” the bishop said.
Background
- Armed men stormed the Catholic boarding school in a pre-dawn raid on Friday, abducting students and staff in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years.
- Security agencies, including police tactical units and military operatives, have since launched search-and-rescue operations across surrounding forests.
- The Niger State Government said the school had reopened despite a prior closure directive, exposing pupils and teachers to danger.
Community Reaction
Families of the escaped pupils expressed relief but remain anxious for those still missing. Local leaders have called for intensified rescue efforts and greater protection for schools across the region.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora urged the Federal Government to act decisively, warning that the abductions highlight Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
The Papiri raid follows a string of recent attacks:
- Kebbi State: 25 girls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga.
- Kwara State: 30 worshippers kidnapped during a church service in Eruku, leaving three dead.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attacks, while Vice President Kashim Shettima visited affected communities to commiserate with families.
