Niger school abduction toll hits 315 as CAN confirms new figure

The number of victims seized during the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 315, significantly higher than the 227 initially announced.

The updated figure was confirmed by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese. He explained that the revised tally followed a verification process and a final census carried out after the incident.

According to the breakdown provided, 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted.

Yohanna said, “After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do a verification exercise, and do further enquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape.

“Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking about their children. We became curious, and that was when we did a census and discovered that they were abducted.

“This now makes it 303 students (male and female), including 12 teachers (4 females and 8 males), bringing the total number of abducted persons to 315.”

He added that the school had 629 pupils and students before the incident — 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.

Addressing claims that authorities had issued intelligence warnings prior to the attack, Yohanna dismissed the reports.

He said, “Also, it is very pertinent that we address the issue of prior warnings from either the government or security agencies, as peddled in some quarters.

“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 but was gritted with what I term ‘propaganda’ that the school was given a prior warning by the government through a circular.

“That is not true, we did not receive any circular, it must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame. In the past, around 2022, when we heard of rumours of a security challenge, we did not hesitate; we shut down immediately. Is it when there is a circular from the government asking us to shut down that we will now not obey?”

He also clarified misinformation about the school’s ownership and alleged travel by its administrators.

“The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese and not by any individual. None of the Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja as they alleged. Whoever made that misleading statement should know that it is a false allegation and should withdraw such or provide the proofs and evidence.

“We have asked the Education Secretary if he received a circular, he said no; or if he was asked to send any to us, he said no. We asked if he was verbally informed, and he also said no. Let them tell the world who they gave the circular to, or through what channel they sent it.

“We also asked the National Association of Private Schools, and they did not get any such circular. They claimed the school was shut down and reopened a few days ago, which is also not true. We are law-abiding.”

Yohanna called for calm, urging residents to remain prayerful as efforts continue to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted group.

“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and I also want to assure you that we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.

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

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday. Witnesses said the armed group arrived in large numbers, with many riding on over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. The school’s gatekeeper was shot and left with severe injuries.

A community source in Agwara earlier stated, “Yes, it happened between 3 and 4 a.m. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed.”

Another source added that teachers were also taken, describing the raid as a devastating blow to the community.

“In the middle of the night, our community was shaken by a deeply tragic event. Bandits invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State. A Catholic private boarding school for boys and girls.

“Students and teachers were forcefully taken away during the attack.

“This is an extremely distressing moment for families, the communities, and Niger State as a whole. These are innocent young students and dedicated educators whose lives and futures are now at risk. Their safety must be a priority,” the source said.