…51 Children Escape From Bandits’ Enclave
By Yinka Giwa
Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for the immediate release of 315 abducted students, teachers, priests, and other members of the Catholic community taken from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Pontiff, speaking on Sunday, expressed deep anguish over the mass kidnapping, describing it as a heartbreaking affront to human dignity and the sanctity of life.
“I received with profound sorrow the news of the abduction of priests, faithful, and schoolchildren. I make a heartfelt plea for the swift and unconditional release of all those being held,” he said.
The abduction occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed men stormed the school in a coordinated attack. Initial figures from the school indicated that 303 children were taken, alongside teachers and church workers, bringing the number of abducted persons to 315.
In a development that offered some relief, no fewer than 50 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s managed to escape from their captors between Friday and Saturday. Their return was confirmed by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Rev. Bulus Yohanna, who is also the proprietor of the school and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
Yohanna, in an update through his media aide, Mr. Daniel Atori, said the children returned directly to their families and not to the school premises. He explained that the primary section of the school has 430 pupils, including 377 boarders and 53 day students. Of these, 141 pupils were not taken during the attack.
He disclosed that 236 pupils, three children of staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members remain in captivity — bringing the total number of those still held to 253.
The bishop appealed to the public to remain calm and continue praying for the safe return of all the victims, assuring that the church and school authorities were working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to secure their release.
“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 also prayed for divine protection over the community and swift intervention for the hostages still in the hands of their abductors.