Niger Abduction: Partial Sighs of Relief As 50 Students of St. Mary School Niger Escape to Safety
...Over 250 Still in Terrorists Captivity
By: Olufemi Orunsola
The Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN) in Niger State has revealed that fifty out of a total of 303 students abducted from St. Mary's Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, have escaped to safety.
In a statement on Sunday, Bulus Dauwa Yohanma, Chairman of the State chapter of CAN and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the pupils regained freedom between Friday and Saturday and 'quietly reunited with their family'.
He said the pupils who escaped were unable to return to the school immediately, but were traced after officials contacted and visited some parents.
The statement further explained that, “The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped."
"We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents."
“Note that, in the primary section out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non boarders.
“Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away."
"As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Yohanna appealed for continued prayers and calm as efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees continue
“We urge everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we collaborate with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe and swift return of all abductees,” pleaded.
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