Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has officially acknowledged the abduction of 315 pupils and a teacher from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The confirmation came on Friday during the inauguration of commissioners, elected local government chairmen, and their deputies, weeks after Bago had initially denied that any abduction took place.
In his remarks at the swearing-in ceremony, Bago requested a minute of silence for two parents of the abducted children who reportedly died of shock.
“Three weeks ago, we woke up with the terrifying news of the abduction of our children and teachers. Thank God we have rescued 100 and we hope that the remaining are rescued and reunited with their families soon,” the governor said.
He added, “In this government, we will engage and appoint people from Papiri into our government.”
Governor Bago had previously claimed during a televised interview that no children were abducted, saying that the attackers only fired gunshots to scare pupils before fleeing.
According to him, “The bandits only came to the school but did not abduct anyone,” suggesting that the children had fled and hid in the bush.
However, details later confirmed that on November 21, 2025, armed terrorists stormed St Mary’s Catholic School and took 315 children and a teacher to an unknown forest location. While 50 pupils escaped after two days, 100 were rescued nearly two weeks later by federal authorities and security agencies.
In November, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, revealed that a parent had died of a heart attack after three of his children were among the abductees.
Another parent reportedly died from shock following the incident, prompting calls for psychological and humanitarian support to the affected families.
Governor Bago pledged to include indigenes of Papiri in his administration to ensure their voices are heard and their welfare prioritised.
“Let us put the old aside and embrace a new Niger. We want a new Niger where the son of a nobody can become somebody. It is time to retract our steps,” he said.
The governor also led prayers for peace and restoration in the state, saying, “Oh God we beseech you to rescue Niger State, rescue our children and restore unto us lasting peace. Those who chose the wrong path, God please redirect them.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Usman Abubakar, said the emergence of the new appointees was based on competence and their track record.
He charged the officials to focus on improving security, education, and healthcare.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented by Justice Amina of Court 6, Minna.
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