Niger CAN Clarifies Abduction Figures: 215 Students, 12 Teachers Taken

The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has provided an update on the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools at Papiri in the Agwara council area earlier on Friday.

After the attack that occurred between 2 am and 3 am, the school initially reported that it was working to determine the precise number of victims taken, a figure which was later clarified on Friday by Daniel Atori, media aide to CAN State Chairman Daniel Okoh.

“From our records, 215 pupils and students including 12 teachers were abducted by the terrorists,” Atori said.

He added: “I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and Security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely.”

Persecondnews reports that some students managed to escape during the attack, while parents have begun collecting their children as the school is shut down.

Atori appealed for calm, stating, “I want to call for 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”.

Persecondnews recalls that just five days after the Kebbi schoolgirls kidnapping, terrorists launched another assault, this time at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of the Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.

During the late-night raid, an unconfirmed number of students and staff were abducted.

A source from a local Catholic church confirmed the incident, stating that the school is currently working to determine the precise number of victims taken.

“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.

This assault follows a similar kidnapping just days prior in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken, significantly escalating nationwide concern over worsening insecurity in northern schools.

The crisis deepened further with the closure of over 50 schools in Kwara State and immediate closure of 41 unity schools in some parts of the country on Friday due to rampant banditry.

In response to the escalating security challenges, President Bola Tinubu canceled his trips to South Africa and Angola to personally coordinate the national response.