The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that the number of pupils and students abducted from St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, has risen to 303. Including 12 teachers, the total number of victims now stands at 315.
The initial abduction occurred in the early hours of Friday when gunmen stormed the school, taking 215 pupils and 12 teachers. A subsequent verification exercise revealed that 88 additional students were captured while trying to escape, prompting a full census that updated the figures.
Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of CAN in Niger State, disclosed the figures in a statement released through his media aide, Daniel Atori. He noted that the school’s total enrolment is 629 students, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary. The abducted teachers include eight males and four females.
Addressing claims of prior government warnings, Bishop Yohanna said no circular or advisory was received from the government or security agencies instructing the closure of secondary schools in the area. He described these claims as attempts to shift blame and reaffirmed that the school has always complied with security directives, formal or informal.
“The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not by any individual, and no Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja as alleged,” he added, calling for anyone making such claims to provide evidence or retract their statements.
Bishop Yohanna concluded by urging calm and prayers, assuring that CAN will continue working with security forces, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the safe return of all abducted pupils and teachers.
