Some of the kidnapped students of a Catholic school in Nigeria escaped the gunmen

Fifty kidnapped students from St Mary's Catholic School in Niger State have returned to their families after they managed to escape the gunmen. According to the Christian Association CAN and the Catholic Church, some 253 people, including twelve teachers, remain in captivity.

Bishop Bulus Yohanna noted that the escape was carried out by the abductees between Friday and Saturday, after which parents started converging on the school. However, many did not find their children among those freed.

The gunmen's attack on the school at the end of the week sparked strong international reactions. Donald Trump criticised Nigeria for its treatment of Christians and threatened military intervention. Pope Leo XIV pleaded for the immediate release of all captives during a mass in St Peter's Square.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government ordered the closure of 47 universities in response to the increase in violence. President Bola Tinubu also confirmed the rescue of 38 others abducted during a church service in Kwara State.

(reuters, max)