Rescue Efforts Continue as 315 Students and Teachers Remain Missing After Niger School Abduction
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, led by Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed the latest figures. According to a statement, suspected terrorists abducted 315 people from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, including 303 students and 12 teachers. The abductions occurred in the Agwarra local government area, raising widespread concern.
The update states that the schools have a total student population of 629—430 in primary school and 199 in secondary school.
Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, emphasized that neither the government nor security agencies issued any warnings or circulars about the attack beforehand.
He dismissed reports claiming the school received prior notice, calling such claims propaganda meant to shift blame.
Yohanna explained that immediate steps had been taken, including the school’s temporary shutdown in 2022 due to alleged security threats. However, he clarified that no official order had been given to close the school recently.
He also denied allegations that the Reverend Sisters traveled to Abuja, affirming that the ownership and administration of the school remain with the Catholic Diocese.
The church leader urged the public to stay calm and pray, assuring that efforts are ongoing with security agencies, community leaders, and authorities to secure the safe return of those abducted.
Officials are working toward a resolution, and prayers are being said for the safe release of those taken.
It is also recalled that the PPRO of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, issued a statement blaming the school authorities for the incident, despite prior intelligence reports indicating heightened threat levels in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
In response to these credible security alerts, the school was previously instructed to suspend learning and temporarily close all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precaution.
He expressed regret that St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed classes without notifying or obtaining clearance from the Niger State Police Command or the State Government, exposing students and staff to unnecessary risks.
