November 24, 2025 | 07:04 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fifty of the 303 students kidnapped from a Catholic school in north-central Nigeria last week have escaped and have been reunited with their parents, the Catholic Church and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Sunday.
What happened in the kidnapping?
Armed men raided the Catholic boarding school in the village of Papiri in Niger State on Friday morning, abducting 303 children and 12 teachers.
Some 253 pupils remain in captivity, according to the Catholic bishop who heads the school.
Among them are 6-year-old children, local media has reported, citing parents.
In a statement, CAN chairman Bulus Yohanna, a Catholic Bishop who is also the proprietor of the school, said the pupils fled from their captors on Friday and Saturday.
Africa's most populous country is currently under increasing scrutiny from US President Donald Trump, whose administration designated Nigeria as particular concern due to the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.
Pope calls for 'immediate release' of hostages
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday made "a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages."
The pope spoke of his "deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families," at the end of the Angelus prayer.
School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Nigeria, and armed gangs often see schools as "strategic" targets to attract more attention.
At least 1,500 students have been seized in Nigeria since the infamous kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls more than a decade ago. Many of the children were released only after ransoms were met.
Two killed in separate attack, 38 worshippers released
Friday's Niger state attack came just four days after the abduction of 25 schoolchildren in neighboring Kebbi state's Maga town, which is 170 kilometers (106 miles) away.
Two people were killed in that attack, but the 38 worshippers who were abducted have since been rescued by security forces, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced on Sunday on X.
Editor’s Choice: Nicki Minaj Claims Christians Persecuted in Nigeria at UN
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Nicki Minaj Claims Christians Persecuted in Nigeria at UN
4 hari lalu
Nicki Minaj praised US President Donald Trump's position on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
5 Nigerian Nationals Arrested in Indonesia for Illegal Trading, Visa Overstay
9 hari lalu
Five Nigerian citizens are suspected of illegal commerce activities in Tanah Abang, Jakarta, and overstaying in Indonesia.
Nigeria Teams Up with US and UK to Investigate Cocaine Haul
11 hari lalu
The drugs found in a container at a port in Lagos is one of the largest drug seizures in Nigeria's history.
Nigeria FM Refutes Trump's Claims of Christian Persecution
18 hari lalu
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar defended his country's commitment to protect religious freedom, pushing back against Trump's claims.
Trump Says There 'Could Be' US Military Action in Nigeria
20 hari lalu
Donald Trump has not ruled out using force to stop the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria. But Abuja has downplayed the remarks.
Nigeria: Gunmen Kill Worshippers in Katsina Mosque Attack
20 Agustus 2025
Armed men have stormed a mosque in Nigeria's Katsina state during morning prayers, killing at least a dozen people.
5 Most Generous Countries in the World: Indonesia Falls from Top Spot
9 Agustus 2025
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) released its 2025 World Giving Report, providing an updated overview of the most generous countries in the world.
294 Foreigners Caught Violating Indonesia's Immigration Rules, Mostly from China
19 Juli 2025
Immigration Ministry has identified 294 foreign nationals suspected of immigration violations, including citizens from China, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Nigeria Removed from IMF Debtors List After Repaying $1.6 Billion Loan
20 Mei 2025
Nigeria has joined Switzerland, Singapore, China, and New Zealand as countries no longer in debt to the IMF
Indonesian Immigration Nets 170 Foreigners Violating Stay Permits, Most from Nigeria
19 Mei 2025
Indonesian Immigration detained 170 foreign nationals (WNA) from 27 countries from May 14 to 16, 2025 in Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi.
