The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has confirmed that 227 pupils, students, and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area, were abducted during a dawn attack by suspected terrorists on Friday.
The State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, disclosed the figure after visiting the traumatised community, meeting with school authorities and consoling parents whose children were taken.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori, Rev. Yohanna said:
“I have just returned to the village after visiting 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 ensure that our children are rescued and brought back safely.”
CAN revealed that the attackers abducted 215 pupils and students along with 12 teachers during the raid. Several other students managed to escape in the chaos, while parents have continued to retrieve their children as authorities shut the school for safety.
The CAN chairman appealed for restraint, urging the community and Nigerians across the country to remain prayerful and hopeful.
“We are actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees,” he assured.
Rev. Yohanna also offered prayers for the protection of the community and for the safe release of all those being held, describing the situation as one that has brought unimaginable trauma to families and the entire state.
