More than 250 schoolchildren escape captivity in Nigeria; 50 escape

Gunmen have abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). 

Officials originally estimated 215 students were taken, but a later “verification exercise and final census” increased the number after discovering that 88 pupils who tried to flee were captured, according to TIME.

The victims range in age from 10 to 18. 

The attack occurred in Papiri, a remote community in Niger state, just days after another kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State.  

Authorities have responded by deploying tactical squads and local hunters to search for the abductees.