The Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says 315 people, m including 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA.
It was reported that armed individuals carried out the abduction after attacking the school in the early hours of Friday, November 21.
CAN had initially given the number of abductees as 227, comprising 215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers, but in a fresh statement, the group updated the number.
Mr Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said a verification exercise and final census showed the figures are much higher.
“After leaving the school, we made calls and enquiries on those we initially thought had escaped, only to discover that 88 more students were captured after trying to flee,” he said.
The school has a total of 629 pupils and students: 430 in primary and 199 in secondary school.
In a statement issued by Mr Daniel Atori, spokesperson to Yohanna, the priest dismissed claims that the school received prior warnings from the government or security agencies, describing the reports as “propaganda” aimed at shifting blame.
“We did not receive any circular or warning. In 2022, when there were rumours of security challenges, we shut down immediately without waiting for any government directive,” he said.
He also refuted allegations that reverend sisters travelled to Abuja regarding the incident, demanding proof of such claims.
The bishop assured parents and the public that CAN is working closely with government and security agencies to secure the safe release of all abductees.
“We call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities for a quick and safe return of our children and teachers,” he added.
In a related development, the federal government has ordered the immediate closure of 47 of Nigeria’s Unity Colleges.
The directive, issued in a circular released on Friday, cites “recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.”
The closure of the colleges, it said, was approved by Mr Tunji Alausa, the minister of education.
The circular was signed by Mrs Binta Abdulkadir, the director of senior secondary education, on behalf of the minister.
The closure comes after school students were kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger State over the course of one week.
Majority of the kidnapped students have not returned home.
Principals of the affected colleges have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order.
Below are the affected colleges:
FGGC MINJIBIR
FTC GANDUJE
FGGC ZARIA
FTC KAFANCHAN
FGGC BAKORI
FTC DAYI
FGC DAURA
FGGC TAMBUWAL
FSC SOKOTO
FTC WURNO