The scale of the mass abduction in Niger State has grown significantly, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirming that 315 students and teachers were seized during the deadly attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area.
The new figure—far higher than the initial estimate of 227—was released after an exhaustive headcount supervised by the CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
Fresh Headcount Exposes Hidden Toll
According to Bishop Yohanna, the additional 88 victims were discovered after distressed parents returned to the school reporting their children missing, contrary to earlier assumptions that many students had escaped into nearby bushes during the assault.
“We became curious when more parents came asking for their children. After fresh verification, we discovered they too were abducted,” he said. “It was a heartbreaking moment.”
The final tally indicates that 303 students—boys and girls across both school sections—and 12 teachers were abducted. Before the attack, the school had 629 learners in total: 430 in the primary school and 199 in the secondary arm.
CAN Dismisses Claims of Ignored Security Alert
Bishop Yohanna firmly rejected widespread speculation that the Diocese failed to act on a security alert before the attack, describing the reports as “false” and “an attempt to shift blame.”
“We did not receive any circular from the government or security agencies. In 2022, when rumours of danger emerged, we immediately shut the school. We would never ignore a security warning,” he stated.
He also debunked claims that the school is privately owned or that Reverend Sisters had travelled to Abuja ahead of the incident, branding the allegations as “deliberate misinformation.”
“Whoever made that allegation should withdraw it or present evidence,” he added.
CAN Urges Calm as Search for Victims Intensifies
Despite the anguish sweeping through the community, the CAN Chairman called for calm, unity, and cooperation with authorities.
“I urge everyone to remain prayerful and peaceful. We are working day and night with security agencies, community leaders, and the government to ensure the safe return of all abductees,” he said.
He concluded with a prayer for the protection and release of the kidnapped students and staff.
Nationwide Outrage as Pressure Mounts on Government
The abduction—one of the largest in recent years—has sparked widespread outrage and renewed debates over Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, particularly in the northern region. With the official number of victims now at 315, calls are growing louder for urgent, decisive government action.
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