Breaking News: 50 Abducted Nigerian Pupils Escape, Reunite with Families

In a remarkable turn of events, 50 pupils abducted from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, Nigeria, have escaped from their captors and reunited with their families. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the development on Sunday, November 23, 2025, bringing relief to the families of the victims

According to CAN, the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday, and their reunion with their parents has been confirmed. However, 236 pupils, including three children of staff members and 14 secondary students, remain in captivity, along with 12 staff members. The total number of abducted persons still held by the abductors stands at 253 children and 12 staff members

The Niger State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has appealed for continued prayers for the safe release of the remaining pupils and staff. “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,” he said

The incident has prompted the state government to close schools across Niger State as a precautionary measure. This is not an isolated incident, as Nigeria has witnessed a surge in school abductions in recent years, with over 1,400 schoolchildren taken from Nigerian schools since 2014

A full list of the 50 pupils who have returned home has been released, and it includes:

– Samson Bitrus
– Emmanuel Francis
– Amos Mathew
– Timothy Peter
– Ayuba Victor
– Bulus Emmanuel
– Bulus Samaila
– Caleb Hosea
– Catherine Emmanuel
– Christopher Ezekiel
– …and 40 others [Source: Provided list]

The abduction of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s school in Niger State has sparked widespread concern and condemnation. The incident has raised questions about the safety of schools in Nigeria and the government’s ability to protect its citizens. The Nigerian government has not commented on the number of students and teachers abducted, but CAN has confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken