Saturday, November 22, 2025 - The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 227 people, including pupils, students, and teachers, were abducted when bandits stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, during a deadly overnight raid between 2am and 3am on Friday, November 21.
The exact number of abductees had initially remained
unclear, but by Friday evening, Daniel Atori, media aide to the CAN chairman in
the state, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, released a statement clarifying that
215 pupils and students and 12 teachers were taken from the school.
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora
Diocese, said he had returned to the village after visiting the school and
meeting with distraught parents. He assured families that CAN is working
closely with government officials, security agencies, and community leaders to
ensure that the children and teachers are rescued safely.
“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,” the statement said. He added
that some students managed to escape during the chaos, and parents had begun
taking home those who were found, forcing the school to shut down entirely.
Yohanna urged the public to remain calm and prayerful as
efforts intensify to track the kidnappers and secure the release of all
abductees. “I want to assure you that we are actively collaborating with
security operatives, community leaders, and government 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,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Niger State government disclosed
that the school had reopened without official clearance, despite an advisory
directing all boarding schools in the area to temporarily suspend operations
due to escalating security threats.
The attack comes just days after gunmen abducted 25 female
students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, a
development that has deepened fears across northern Nigeria as school attacks
continue to surge.
 confirm abduction of 227 stuents including 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic in Niger state){kind=link}
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