By Rita Iliya
No fewer than 50 schoolchildren of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri in Niger State, who were abducted from the institution during an attack by suspected terrorists, have escaped and reunited with their parents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the attack, which occurred on Thursday night led to the abduction of 303 pupils and students, according to school authorities.
Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state and Proprietor of the school, confirmed the development on Sunday in an update signed by his media aide, Mr Daniel Atori.
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday, but did not return to the school.
He said their return was confirmed during visits and calls to the affected families.
The cleric added that 236 pupils, three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 members of staff remain in captivity bringing the total number of those still with the abductors to 253.
Yohanna said the primary section of the school has 430 pupils, comprising 377 boarders and 53 day pupils.
He said that apart from the 50 pupils who escaped, 141 pupils were not taken away during the attack.
Yohanna urged the public to remain calm and prayerful, noting that the school and the church are collaborating with security agencies, community leaders, the government and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with a sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” he said.
He prayed for the quick release of the abductees and divine protection for the community. (NAN)
