The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that no fewer than 227 pupils and teachers were kidnapped during Friday’s attack on a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The victims include 215 children and 12 members of staff, making it one of the largest school abductions in recent years and the biggest since the mass kidnapping of Islamic school pupils in Tegina.
Speaking late Friday night after visiting the affected community, the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the situation as heartbreaking. He said he met with parents who had gathered at the deserted school premises, many of them still in shock.
“I have just got back to the village this night 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 see that our children are rescued and brought back safely,” Yohanna said.
He confirmed that a number of pupils managed to flee during the attack and have since been reunited with their families.
“During the terrorists’ attack, some students escaped, and parents have started coming to pick up their children as the school has now been shut down,” he noted.
The cleric urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that coordinated efforts were underway to rescue all abductees.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful. 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,” he said.