The scale of the tragedy unfolding in Niger State has widened dramatically, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirming that 315 students and teachers were abducted during the brutal raid on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area.
The updated figure—far exceeding the earlier count of 227—followed a painstaking verification exercise led by the CAN Chairman in the state, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
“88 More Children Were Taken” — Fresh Headcount Reveals Hidden Horror
According to Bishop Yohanna, the revelation came after anxious parents returned, reporting their children missing despite initial assumptions that they had escaped. This triggered a full recount, exposing that an additional 88 students had been captured while fleeing.
“We became curious when more parents came asking for their children. After fresh verification, we discovered they too were abducted,” he said, describing the moment as “heart-breaking.”
The final tally shows 303 students, boys and girls and 12 teachers were taken by the attackers.
Before the attack, the school housed 629 learners, split between 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.
Bishop Yohanna forcefully dismissed circulating claims that the school was alerted to an imminent threat but ignored it.
“That is false. We did not receive any circular from the government or security agencies. It is an afterthought and an attempt to shift blame,” he declared.
He noted that in 2022, when rumours of danger surfaced, the Diocese shut the school immediately—proof that it would never overlook security warnings.
He also refuted reports suggesting the school is privately owned or that Reverend Sisters had travelled to Abuja before the attack, calling the claims “deliberate misinformation.”
“Whoever made that allegation should withdraw it or present evidence,” he said sharply.
“We Are Working Day and Night” — CAN Calls for Calm and Collaboration
Despite the deep anguish gripping the community, Bishop Yohanna appealed for calm and unity.
“I urge everyone to remain calm and prayerful. We are working with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe and quick return of all abductees.”
His appeal ended with a prayer that echoed the desperation of hundreds of affected families:
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers.”
The abduction—one of the largest in recent years—has reignited national outrage over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s northern region. With the number now standing at 315, pressure is mounting on the authorities to act swiftly and decisively.