Initial estimates were that 52 children were abducted from St. Mary's Catholic boarding school, but recent reports indicate that it was 315 students and 12 teachers.
(LifeSiteNews) — Attacks on Christians in Nigeria have reached new heights after more than 300 students and staff at a Catholic school in Papiri were abducted last week.
“I make a heartfelt appeal that the hostages be immediately released, and I urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their liberation,” Pope Leo said after Sunday Mass this weekend in St. Peter’s Square.
On Friday, gunmen forcibly took some 315 students and 12 of their teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Niger State, making it one of the worst kidnappings the country has ever seen. Initial estimates were that 52 children were taken.
“The gunmen were on about 50 motorcycle bikes while controlling them,” one of the children’s fathers told the BBC. “Some children were falling and the men would kick them and instruct them to stand up.”
Prayers seem to have been answered as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reported that 50 students have been returned to their families.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped,” a spokesman for CAN’s Niger State chapter said.