The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus YohannaChristian Association of Nigeria chairman confirms escape as over 250 children and staff remain in captivity; calls for calm, prayer, and intensified rescue efforts
Dozens of pupils kidnapped from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State have escaped from their captors, bringing partial relief to families and community leaders still reeling from Friday’s mass abduction.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, disclosed the development in a statement issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori. According to the bishop, fifty of the abducted pupils successfully fled between Friday and Saturday and have since returned home to their families.
Yohanna explained that the escape came to light after church officials contacted and visited the parents of the children who had managed to find their way back. He emphasized that while the news brings considerable relief, hundreds of pupils and staff members remain in captivity.
The school, located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, had been attacked by suspected terrorists, resulting in the abduction of more than 300 individuals, including pupils, students, and teachers. Updated figures from CAN indicate that 430 children are enrolled in the primary section of the school, with 377 of them being boarders. Following the attack, 141 pupils in the primary section were confirmed not abducted, while 50 others escaped over the weekend.
As of Sunday, the bishop confirmed that 236 primary pupils, three children belonging to staff members, and 14 secondary school students, along with 12 staff members, remain in the custody of the abductors. This brings the total number of individuals still being held to 253 children and 12 adults.
Yohanna urged the public to remain hopeful and prayerful as efforts continue to secure the safe return of all those still missing. He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure sustained pressure for their rescue.
While acknowledging the emotional relief brought by the return of the fifty children, the bishop called for calm and unity. He encouraged the public to continue supporting the families affected and to hold on to faith as security operatives intensify efforts on the ground.
The Niger State Police Command has yet to issue an official response regarding the latest development.
Friday’s mass kidnapping prompted Governor Mohammed Bago to order the immediate closure of schools across the state, as authorities work to assess security vulnerabilities and prevent further incidents.
0 Comments