Fifty Students Escape Nigerian School Kidnapping as Crisis Continues

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Fifty students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic school in northwest Nigeria have successfully escaped their captors and returned safely to their families, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed on Sunday. The escapes occurred between Friday and Saturday, according to CAN chairman Bulus Yohanna, a Catholic Bishop and the school proprietor.

Despite this development, approximately 253 children and 12 staff members remain in the hands of the kidnappers. The abduction, which took place last Friday, is one of several recent attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria, prompting the government to close 47 colleges for security reasons.

The incident has sparked international concern. On Sunday, Pope Leo made an urgent plea from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, calling for the immediate release of all those abducted. "I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages," he stated, highlighting the severity of one of the largest mass kidnappings the country has witnessed.

Authorities continue to work towards securing the release of the remaining hostages amid mounting pressure from religious and global leaders.