Niger: 50 students escape from kidnappers’ den

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 50 of the students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Nigerian State, have escaped from captivity.

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 their freedom between Friday and Saturday and quietly returned to their families.

Recall that reports had indicated that over 300 students and staff remained in the hands of kidnappers.

The CAN had earlier described the attacks as deeply troubling and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. Security agencies continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Meanwhile, speaking at the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV said,
“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages. Let us pray for these brothers and sisters and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”