Bunk beds in St Mary School in Niger state
The Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says 315 people — including 303 students and 12 teachers — were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA.
Gunmen carried out the abduction after attacking the school in the wee hours of November 21.
CAN had initially given the number of abductees as 227 — comprising “215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers”.
However, in a fresh statement, Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said a verification exercise and final census showed the figures are much higher.
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“After leaving the school, we made calls and enquiries on those we initially thought had escaped, only to discover that 88 more students were captured after trying to flee,” he said.
The school has a total of 629 pupils and students — 430 in primary and 199 in secondary school.
In a statement issued by Daniel Atori, spokesperson to Yohanna, the priest dismissed claims that the school received prior warnings from the government or security agencies, describing the reports as “propaganda” aimed at shifting blame.
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“We did not receive any circular or warning. In 2022, when there were rumours of security challenges, we shut down immediately without waiting for any government directive,” he said.
He also refuted allegations that reverend sisters travelled to Abuja regarding the incident, demanding proof of such claims.
The bishop assured parents and the public that CAN is working closely with government and security agencies to secure the safe release of all abductees.
“We call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities for a quick and safe return of our children and teachers,” he added.
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