Abducted Students, Staff of Niger Catholic School Rises to 315, Bishop Says No Prior Govt Warning
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter has revealed that the actual number of pupils and students of St Mary Private Primary and Secondary schools, Papiri, Niger State abducted by terrorists on Friday stands 303.
The number of students and staff members abducted in the early morning invasion by the terrorists were initially put at between 100 and 200, however, emerging figures following check by parents and staff now indicate that in addition to the 303 students, 12 teachers were also abducted.
The chairman of CAN, Niger State chapter, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna, gave the new figures in a statement released on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori, saying the increase came after a verification exercise and final census
Also, the Bishop of the Parish said that the management of St Mary Private Primary and Secondary schools, as well as the National Association of Private Schools, did not receive any prior government circular instructing the closure of secondary schools in the area before the attack, this is against the backdrop of a statement vredited to the Niger State Government which said that schools in the state had earlier been directed to close down schools due to threats of possible attacks.
“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.
“After leaving the school, we made calls and conducted a verification exercise to confirm the status of those we thought had 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,” he added.
On the claim that the government warned schools, the Bishop a dismissed the position of the government, insisting that “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 concluded with a call for calm: “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.”
