Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State have escaped from their captors and safely reunited with their families, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The Chairman of CAN in Niger State and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, disclosed the development on Sunday in a statement signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori.

Yohanna said the escape came to light during visits to families of the abducted children.

According to him, despite the positive news, 253 children and 12 staff members are still being held by the abductors. The figure includes 236 pupils, three children of staff members, and 14 secondary school students.

“This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November 2025, we received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and reunited with their parents,” the statement read.

“This comes just a few days after suspected terrorists attacked and abducted 303 pupils and students. The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and went home directly, as they could not return to the school. We confirmed this during visits and phone contacts with parents.”

Providing further breakdown, the bishop noted that in the primary section, 430 pupils were enrolled, 377 boarders and 53 day students.

“Currently, aside from the 50 who escaped, we have 141 pupils who were not abducted. As it stands now, 236 pupils, three staff children and 14 secondary school students, a total of 253 children, along with 12 staff members, remain with the abductors,” he said.

Yohanna welcomed the safe return of the 50 children but urged Nigerians to remain prayerful and hopeful for the rescue of those still in captivity.

“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with some sigh of relief, I urge everyone to continue in prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims. We are working closely with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities to ensure their safe and quick return,” he added.

The Niger State Police Command has yet to comment on the development.

A total of 315 persons, including pupils, students, and teachers, were abducted on Friday when armed men attacked the schools located in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area.

Following the incident, Governor Mohammed Bago ordered the closure of all schools across the state on Saturday as a precautionary measure.