Fifty of the school pupils abducted from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State have reportedly escaped from their captors and reunited with their families.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.
He said the escape occurred between Friday and Saturday, and the information was verified after church officials contacted and visited the parents.
However, Bishop Yohanna stated that 253 children and 12 staff members remain in captivity.
The abductions took place last Friday when suspected terrorists seized 303 pupils and students from the schools in the Agwara Local Government Area.
While expressing relief for the fifty who escaped, the CAN chairman appealed for continued prayers and collaboration with security agencies for the safe return of those still held.
The state police command is yet to officially comment on the escape.
