The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has released the names of 265 students and teachers abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The list includes 12 teachers, 14 secondary school students, and 239 primary school pupils.
According to reports, 50 students have escaped from captivity and reunited with their families, while 253 individuals, including 236 pupils, 3 children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members, remain in captivity.
The abduction occurred on November 21, with armed men storming the school and shooting a security guard. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed the escape of the 50 students, who regained their freedom between Friday and Saturday and quietly reunited with their parents.
The Diocese has appealed for calm and prayers as efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with Pope Leo pleading for the immediate release of the captives.
The Nigerian government has ordered the hiring of 30,000 more police officers and directed the removal of police from VIP protection services to focus on core duties, especially in remote areas prone to attacks.
