The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed that 50 school children out of the 303 abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, have escaped from captivity and reunited with their families. The children, aged between 10 and 18, escaped separately between Friday and Saturday after being taken hostage on November 21. 253 students and 12 teachers remain captive.

The attack came just days after gunmen stormed a secondary school in neighbouring Kebbi state, abducting 25 girls, underscoring the worsening security environment. The school is located off a major road linking Yelwa and Mokwa in a region where armed gangs operate out of dense forests that span multiple states.

In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN and Catholic bishop of Kontagora diocese, said the pupils regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and “quietly reunited with their families” The statement also encouraged everyone to keep praying and stay calm while efforts to rescue the remaining abducted students are underway.

Security agencies are working to secure their safe return, and Niger lawmakers have urged them to intensify their efforts. “We urge everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we collaborate with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe and swift return of all abductees,” it added.