By Sabiu Abdullahi
Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, have escaped from their captors and reunited with their families. School authorities confirmed the development on Sunday.
The escape happened days after gunmen attacked the school and abducted 303 pupils and students.
The pupils fled between Friday and Saturday but were unable to return to the school. The administration later confirmed their safety after contacting and visiting their parents.
The proprietor of the school and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the development as a sign of hope but urged that efforts must continue for the rest of the victims.
He said: “As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
The update came in a statement signed electronically by his media aide, Daniel Atori. The statement also clarified the situation of those still in captivity.
It read:“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors.”The cleric further explained the composition of the school population.
He said:“In the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.”
Giving a breakdown of those affected, he added:“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Rev. Yohanna appealed to the public to remain calm and prayerful. He said the school and church authorities are working with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to secure the release of the remaining captives.
He said:“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped 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 also added:“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”
He ended with a prayer:“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”
Security agencies have not yet released an official statement on their operations or progress made so far in tracking down the abductors.