Niger School Abductions: CAN Confirms 315 Students, Teachers Taken in Worsening Tragedy, Condemns Government Propaganda

The scale of the mass abduction in Niger State has deepened, as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 315 students and teachers were taken during the deadly attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area.

This updated figure—significantly higher than the earlier estimate of 227—was released following a comprehensive headcount led by the CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev.

Fresh Headcount Reveals Previously Unaccounted Victims
Bishop Yohanna explained that the additional 88 victims were identified after worried parents returned to the school to report their children missing, contrary to previous assumptions that several students had fled into nearby bushes during the attack.

“We became concerned when more parents came asking for their children. After fresh verification, we discovered they too were abducted,” he said. “It was a heartbreaking moment.”

The updated tally shows that 303 students—boys and girls from both school sections—and 12 teachers were kidnapped. Before the incident, the school had a total enrollment of 629 learners: 430 in the primary school and 199 in the secondary school.

CAN Refutes Claims of Ignored Security Alert
Bishop Yohanna firmly dismissed circulating claims that the Diocese failed to act on a security alert prior to the attack, describing such reports as “false” and “an attempt to shift blame.”

“We did not receive any circular from the government or security agencies. In 2022, when rumours of danger arose, we shut the school immediately. We would never disregard a security warning,” he said.

He further rejected allegations that the school is privately owned or that Reverend Sisters had travelled to Abuja ahead of the incident, calling the claims “deliberate misinformation.”

“Whoever made that allegation should retract it or provide evidence,” he added.

CAN Appeals for Calm as Search Efforts Intensify
Amid the grief gripping the community, the CAN Chairman urged residents to remain calm, united, and cooperative with the authorities.

“I urge everyone to stay prayerful and peaceful. We are working tirelessly with security agencies, community leaders, and the government to secure the safe return of all abductees,” he said.

He concluded with prayers for the protection and rescue of the kidnapped students and staff.

Nationwide Outcry as Pressure Builds on Government
The abduction—one of the largest recorded in recent years—has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed discussions on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, especially in the northern region. With the official number of victims now standing at 315, calls for urgent and decisive government intervention continue to grow louder.