Abduction Toll in Niger Catholic Schools Rises to 315 After Fresh Headcount

By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu

Abduction Toll in Niger Catholic Schools Rises to 315 After Fresh Headcount

The number of people abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State has risen to 315 after a new verification by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the earlier figure of 227 increased after calls, checks, and a final census showed that 88 more students were kidnapped while trying to escape.

The updated total now includes 303 students and 12 teachers.

Bishop Yohanna explained that the school had 629 pupils and students before the attack, spread across both primary and secondary sections.

He refuted claims that the school received warnings before the attack, saying no circular was issued by the government or security agencies.

He emphasised that the school belongs to the Catholic Diocese and urged anyone spreading false information to withdraw their claims or present proof.

He appealed for calm and encouraged the public to remain prayerful as security operations continue.

The attack happened early Friday when gunmen arrived on more than 60 motorcycles, supported by a van, and stormed the school, abducting students and teachers.

The bishop prayed for the safe return of the victims and for continued protection over the community.