No fewer than 50 pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from captivity days after they were abducted by armed men.
On Friday, over 300 students and staff were seized from their hostels and taken away to an unknown location. Their escape comes as all 38 worshippers kidnapped during a thanksgiving service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun Eruku in Kwara State, were also freed after five days in captivity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed delight at the positive developments, assuring citizens that he is actively monitoring the security situation and receiving updates from operatives on the ground. The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, also made a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
50 Pupils Escape, Reunite With Families
Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, confirmed the escape in a statement. He said the pupils quietly returned to their families between Friday and Saturday after managing to flee from their captors.
He explained that the school management contacted parents to verify the children’s whereabouts when the pupils failed to return directly to the campus.
Yohanna disclosed that out of the 430 pupils in the primary section, 377 are boarders. He said that aside from the 50 who escaped, 141 pupils were not taken during the attack.
“As it stands, 236 pupils, three children of staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members—making a total of 253—are still with the abductors,” he said.
He urged continued prayers and cooperation with security agencies to ensure the safe return of all remaining captives.
38 Kwara Church Abductees Freed
In Kwara State, all 38 abducted church members were released on Saturday. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced their freedom in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye.
He credited the rescue to President Tinubu’s direct intervention and intensified security deployments. The President reportedly cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to oversee security operations following the kidnappings in Kwara and Kebbi states.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force, which recently deployed four tactical teams to Kwara on the President’s directive.
Tinubu: “Every Nigerian Has the Right to Safety”
In a message posted on his official social media handle, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to securing the country.
“Thanks to our security forces, all 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara have been rescued. I am also pleased that 50 out of the missing pupils in Niger State have returned. I will not relent until every Nigerian is safe,” he said.
The President also met with service chiefs in Abuja in an extended security meeting aimed at accelerating rescue efforts and addressing rising insecurity.
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Immediate Release of Hostages
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the mass abductions and appealed for the immediate release of all those still in captivity.
“I learned with immense sadness of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” he said.
Military Probes Alleged Troop Withdrawal in Kebbi
The Defence Headquarters has launched an investigation into Governor Nasir Idris’ claim that terrorists struck Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State, just 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn.
Major General Michael Onoja said the military is reviewing all decisions related to deployment and movement at the time of the incident. He assured Nigerians that if any lapses are uncovered, corrective measures will be taken immediately.
Niger Governor Warns Against Informants
Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago has raised concerns about informants aiding terrorists, calling for stronger penalties against them. He urged residents to support security agencies with reliable information as efforts continue to rescue the remaining abducted pupils.
Borno Confirms Abduction of 13 Female Farmers
In Borno State, Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Askira confirmed the abduction of 13 female farmers in Askira-Uba by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants. One of the victims escaped, while 12 others, aged between 15 and 20, remain missing.
Cleric Killed in Bauchi, Wife and Child Abducted
Armed men also attacked a community in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, killing an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muhammad Bakoshi. His wife and daughter were abducted during the assault. Police authorities were yet to comment at the time of this report.
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