Stephen Samuel, a 13 year old student who escaped after bandits abducted several school children and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, has shared his ordeal, saying it felt as though his time in school had come to an end.
He explained that the attackers struck at night while the students were asleep.
“When they came, we were sleeping. They woke us up, told us to lie down, tied our hands, and then forced us to stand,” he said. “Before taking us away, they went into the office and took the Mary statue.”
As the captives were being moved, one of the motorcycles used by the attackers broke down. Samuel saw an opportunity and ran.
“I ran. He did not see me. I did not know where I was going I just kept running,” he recalled.
He eventually met a neighbour working on his farm, who recognised him, gave him clothes, and returned him safely home.
Now reunited with his family, the boy fears life may never return to normal.
“When the others come back, can we even go to school again And if we do, which school will it be” he asked quietly. “For me, it feels like school has
ended.”
On November 21, armed men attacked the school and abducted 315 people 303 students and 12 teachers.
According to local Christian authorities, fifty of the abducted students have escaped and reunited with their families. They explained that the freed pupils left captivity between Friday and Saturday and were traced after officials contacted some parents.
The diocese further disclosed that 265 individuals 239 nursery and primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members remain in captivity.
In an update, officials said they have not received any communication from the kidnappers.
“So far, we have not had any contact with them. As I am speaking now, we have not received any call regarding the abductors,” a church leader said.
He also refuted claims that the school was operating without proper clearance, noting that in 2021 and 2022, when there were rumours of a possible attack, the school was shut down for five months, the perimeter fence was strengthened, and security personnel were added. He stressed that no warnings were issued prior to the latest attack.
“If we could close the school for mere rumour back then, I see no reason why we would ignore an official warning now. This accusation came as a surprise,” he added.
He confirmed that communication has been established with security officials in Kontagora.
