50 abducted pupils escape, reunite with families in Niger

Fifty of the pupils abducted during the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger State have escaped and returned to their families, two days after the mass kidnapping that saw 303 pupils and students and 12 teachers taken away by terrorists.

The update was confirmed by the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.

In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, Bishop Yohanna said the pupils were able to flee from their captors and made their way back to their respective homes, which explains why they did not return to the school after the incident.

Authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted students and staff.