The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted during Friday’s bandit attack on a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the incident on Friday, describing it as one of the most significant school abductions recorded in the state in recent years.
“I have just returned to the village this night after visiting the school, where I met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and security agencies to ensure our children are rescued and brought back safely,” Yohanna said.
He explained that some children managed to escape during the attack, and parents have been returning to pick up their children as the school has been shut down.
Yohanna added, “It is worthy to note that during the terrorists’ attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming to pick up their children, as the school has to be shut down.”
He appealed for calm and encouraged residents to remain prayerful, stressing that CAN is working closely with relevant authorities. “I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and I also 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,” he said.
The Niger State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri after armed men attacked the school around 2 a.m. on Friday.
