The pupils were abducted on November 21, 2025, after gunmen stormed the Catholic boarding school owned by the Diocese of Kontagora and managed by the OLA Sisters.
The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed the release of pupils and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Niger State.
Officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser earlier said the final batch of 130 victims had been released, bringing the total number of rescued pupils to 230. The officials confirmed the development to ARISE News Channel on Sunday.
This is contrary to a previous statement by the school owners that there were 165 pupils and members of staff still in captivity.
The pupils were abducted on November 21, 2025, after gunmen stormed the Catholic boarding school owned by the Diocese of Kontagora and managed by the OLA Sisters.
Earlier in December, following the release of 100 victims, the Congregation Leader of the OLA Sisters, Sr. Mary T. Barron, provided an update on those still in captivity.
The statement said, "It was with great joy we welcomed the news on 14 December that 100 people had been freed: 14 secondary school students, 1 staff member, 80 primary school children and 5 nursery school children.
“However, this joy is tempered with ongoing anguish and concern for the safety of the remaining 165: – 11 staff members, 35 children from the nursery school and 119 from the Primary School. These children range from age 5 to 12/13.”
Providing a further update through Daniel Atori, media aide to the Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman in Niger State, the Bishop said Governor Umaru Bago called him a few minutes earlier to confirm the release of the children and teachers.
However, the figure was not mentioned, as the released pupils and staff are expected in Minna on Monday to be received by the governor at the Government House.
“The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna said that Governor Umaru Bago called him few minutes ago to confirm the release of the children and teachers,” the statement said.
“However, the figure was not mentioned as they are expected in Minna tomorrow (Monday) and to be received by the Governor in government house.”