JUST IN: CAN CONFIRMS 315 PUPILS, TEACHERS ABDUCTED IN NIGER SCHOOL ATTACK, CONTRARY TO EARLIER REPORTED 227
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 315 people — including 303 students and 12 teachers — were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA.
According to the association, gunmen attacked the school in the early hours of November 21 and carried out the mass abduction.
CAN had initially announced 227 abductees, comprising “215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers”. However, in a fresh update, Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said a verification exercise revealed that the number is significantly higher.
“After leaving the school, we made calls and enquiries on those we initially thought had escaped, only to discover that 88 more students were captured after trying to flee,” he said.
The school enrolment stands at 629 pupils and students — 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.
In a statement issued by Daniel Atori, spokesperson to Yohanna, the bishop dismissed claims that the school received advance warnings from the government or security agencies, describing such reports as “propaganda” intended to shift responsibility.
“We did not receive any circular or warning. In 2022, when there were rumours of security challenges, we shut down immediately without waiting for any government directive,” he said.
He further refuted allegations that reverend sisters travelled to Abuja in connection with the incident, demanding evidence to support the claims.
Yohanna assured parents and the public that CAN is collaborating closely with the government and security operatives to ensure the safe return of all abductees.
“We call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities for a quick and safe return of our children and teachers,” he added.
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