Nigerian boy recounts daring escape from school raid as over 250 still missing

Incident Overview

On November 25, 2025, in Niger State, Nigeria, gunmen raided St. Mary's Catholic School, abducting over 300 students and 12 teachers in one of the country's largest school kidnappings in a decade. Thirteen-year-old Stephen Samuel was among those taken but managed to escape during the ordeal. As of November 23, 50 students had fled their captors and reunited with families, leaving more than 250 still missing.

Stephen Samuel's Escape

Stephen described how the attackers woke the students, tied them up, and forced them to march into the forest. A broken motorcycle provided his opportunity to break free and run to a neighbor's house for help. He recounted the fear of the moment, noting how the neighbor recognized him and brought him home safely.

When the government came, they meet us sleeping and they wake up us and we they they tell us we should lie down. When we lie down, they tied us. When they finish tiding us, they tell us to to stand up.

Broader Response and Impact

The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the escapes on November 23, praising the children's bravery. Security forces, including military and police, are searching forests and paths for the remaining captives. The raid has led to school closures amid rising abduction risks, shattering normalcy for survivors like Stephen, who now questions returning to class.

Author's Summary: In a harrowing raid on St. Mary's School, young Stephen Samuel's clever escape highlights the courage amid tragedy, as over 250 remain missing despite 50 successful flights and ongoing rescues in Nigeria's escalating crisis (148 characters).

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Reuters Connect Reuters Connect — 2025-11-26

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