Niger: Abductions at St. Mary’s Catholic Schools Rise to 315 as Bishop Debunks ‘Warning Circular’ Claims

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The number of pupils, students, and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 315, according to updated verification by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state.

The Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, in a statement issued by Daniel Atori, his Media Aide, confirmed that the tally now includes 303 students and 12 teachers, that is four women and eight men.

He explained that the new figure emerged after fresh calls, checks and a final census revealed that an additional 88 students, previously believed to have escaped, were also abducted.

Bishop Yohanna said the discovery was made when parents, whose children were thought to have fled the attack, returned to inquire about their whereabouts.

A comprehensive verification then showed that these children had been captured. According to school records, St. Mary’s has a total enrolment of 629 learners, with 430 in the primary school and 199 in the secondary section.

The CAN Chairman also addressed circulating claims that the school received a prior warning from government or security agencies to shut down ahead of the attack. He dismissed the allegation as propaganda and an attempt to deflect responsibility, insisting that no circular or directive was received through any official or informal channel.

He noted that in previous years, including 2022, the Diocese promptly closed schools whenever there were rumours of security threats, and would never ignore an official instruction to do so.

Bishop Yohanna said additional checks with the Education Secretary and the National Association of Private Schools confirmed that no warning was issued. He also debunked allegations that Reverend Sisters in charge of the school had travelled to Abuja, describing the claim as false and unfounded.

The Bishop said he visited Papiri village on Friday night to meet with distressed parents and reassure them that the Diocese and CAN are working closely with government authorities, security agencies and community leaders to ensure the safe rescue and return of all abductees. He called for calm and prayers, expressing hope that the children and teachers will be released unharmed.