227 Students and Teachers Abducted from Niger Catholic School, CAN Confirms

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The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that a total of 227 people, including students and teachers, were kidnapped when armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, in the early hours of Friday.

The attack reportedly occurred between 2am and 3am, leaving the exact number of victims unclear throughout the day. However, by Friday evening, Daniel Atori, media aide to Bulus Yohanna, the CAN chairman in Niger State, released an official update stating that 215 pupils and students, along with 12 teachers, were taken during the invasion.

In his statement, Atori revealed that Yohanna had travelled to the community to meet with affected families.

“I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely,” he said.

Providing a clearer breakdown of the situation, he added:

“From our record, 215 pupils and students including 12 teachers were abducted by the terrorists.”

He also noted that some students managed to escape during the attack and were reunited with their families as the school was immediately shut down for safety.

“It is worthy to note that, during the terrorists’ attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming to pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.”

Yohanna appealed for calm, urging residents to remain prayerful while assuring them of ongoing efforts to secure the speedy release of the victims.

“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful… we are actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”

He concluded with a prayer:

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”

Earlier in the day, the Niger State government disclosed that the affected school had reopened without authorisation, despite an advisory ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the area due to heightened insecurity.

The mass abduction comes shortly after 25 female students were kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, further heightening concerns over school safety in northern Nigeria.

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