Fifty of the more than 300 students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from their captors.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, describing it as a rare moment of relief amid the ongoing crisis.
“We have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” CAN said, noting that the children broke free between Friday and Saturday.
The students were among the 315 victims abducted during Friday’s devastating attack, which saw gunmen storm the school in large numbers, injure the gatekeeper, and whisk away students and teachers.
Authorities and security agencies continue efforts to rescue the remaining captives, with President Bola Tinubu having ordered an intensified joint operation to track the kidnappers.
More details are expected as the situation unfolds.
