Fifty Children Kidnapped from Nigerian Catholic School Escape

November 24, 2025 Blessing Dada

Fifty Children Kidnapped from Nigerian Catholic School Escape

Fifty children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State have escaped from their captors, bringing a rare moment of relief to anxious families. Their return comes after armed men attacked Saint Marys Coeducation School on Friday and took a large group of pupils and teachers into the bush. The incident has intensified fear across Nigeria as the country confronts yet another traumatic school abduction.

Armed men stormed the school in the early hours and forced hundreds of children into the surrounding forest. Many of those taken were between eight and eighteen years old. Parents hurried to the scene when news spread but were met with the devastating realisation that more than three hundred pupils and a dozen teachers had been taken. A similar attack in Kebbi State earlier in the week, where twenty five schoolgirls were kidnapped, has further deepened concerns about rising insecurity in the region.

According to the Christian Association of Nigeria, fifty children escaped between Friday and Saturday and later reunited with their families. Emotional scenes unfolded as parents embraced their children, torn between relief and dread for those still missing. The association reports that two hundred and fifty one primary pupils, fourteen secondary students and twelve teachers remain in captivity.

Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the state chairman of the association and owner of the school, described the escape as an answer to prayer. He stressed, however, that the crisis is far from over and urged Nigerians to continue praying for the safe return of all those still held. While he welcomed the escape of the fifty pupils, he acknowledged the deep pain families endure as they wait for more news. He also called for national unity and stronger action from security agencies.

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An official statement from the Nigerian government has yet to be released, creating frustration among citizens seeking clear updates. Many parents say they feel abandoned as they wait helplessly for information. Some continue to gather around the school, holding on to hope that more children will return.

Insecurity remains a growing concern across the country. Nigeria has been battling school kidnappings for more than a decade, with the abduction of nearly three hundred Chibok girls still haunting the nation. Kidnapping for ransom has become a common crime, especially in remote areas where security presence is weak.

Boarding schools in isolated communities are frequent targets. Criminal gangs often strike at night, overwhelm the little security available and move the children deep into the forest. Victims are sometimes released after negotiations, but others remain missing for long periods. Fear of further attacks has led several states to shut down vulnerable schools. Many parents are now afraid to send their children away from home.

The latest attack on Saint Marys Coeducation School has exposed once again how fragile school safety has become. Survivors described a chaotic and terrifying scene as gunmen shouted orders and pushed children out of their dormitories. Some pupils ran when they saw an opportunity, while others escaped during the long forced march through the bush.

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News of the escape has encouraged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. Search teams are combing the forest, and local vigilante groups have joined the operation. Families continue to pray for more breakthroughs, especially for younger children who may struggle to survive long in the forest without help.

Across the region, community leaders are renewing calls for stronger protection for schools. Many believe rural schools need better fences, improved surveillance and a stronger security presence. Others argue that the government must invest more in intelligence gathering to stop kidnappers before they strike. Parents, teachers and religious leaders share the belief that children should never have to fear for their lives while pursuing an education.

Hope remains despite the uncertainty. The escape of fifty children has shown that rescue is possible, and families hold tightly to that hope as they wait for more good news. Communities in Niger State continue to pray, watch and wait for the safe return of every child and teacher still in captivity.

For now, the nation focuses on bringing the remaining victims home. Nigeria stands once again at a critical point, challenged to protect its children and prevent yet another tragedy. Many believe that this moment must inspire stronger action and lasting solutions. As the country watches closely, the hope is that the story of Saint Marys will end with reunion, healing and renewed commitment to securing schools across the nation.