The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has announced that the number of pupils and students kidnapped from St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, has increased to 303. The school was attacked in the early hours of Friday when gunmen invaded the premises, initially carting away 215 pupils alongside 12 teachers.
After a fresh round of verification and inquiries, the total number of abducted students was revised to 303, raising the overall tally of victims to 315, including the 12 teachers.
This update was provided by the CAN chairman, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna, in a statement on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori. He explained that the increase followed a thorough verification and final headcount.
The Bishop said the management of St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools and the National Association of Private Schools had not received any official communication from the government instructing schools in the area to shut down prior to the incident.
“The total number of victims abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area is now 303 students and 12 teachers,” Atori quoted the Bishop as saying.
He added that after leaving the school, further calls and checks were made to verify the status of those thought to have escaped. “We discovered that 88 more students had been captured while attempting to flee. This came to light when parents, whose children we believed were safe, inquired about them. It prompted us to carry out a full census, which revealed the higher number.”
“At present, 303 students, both male and female, and 12 teachers—four female and eight male—remain abducted, bringing the total number of victims to 315. The school’s enrolment stands at 629, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary,” the Bishop further explained.
He also dismissed claims that the government had earlier warned schools to close, insisting: “Contrary to rumours, no circular or warning was received from the government or security agencies. This narrative appears to be an afterthought aimed at shifting blame. In 2022, when security concerns arose, the school shut down immediately. We have always complied with security advisories, whether formal or informal.
‘The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not any individual. No Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja, as alleged. Anyone making such claims should provide proof or retract the statements. Our Education Secretary confirmed he received no circulars, written or verbal, and the National Association of Private Schools also received none.’”
He appealed for calm and assured the public of ongoing collaboration with security operatives and authorities. “We urge everyone to remain prayerful. We will continue to collaborate actively with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of all abductees. May the Lord grant their quick release and protect His people from harm.”
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