The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that 265 individuals, comprising 239 nursery and primary pupils, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members, remain in captivity following last week’s mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The diocese on Monday published the names of all those still being held by the gunmen, days after the brazen attack in which over 300 pupils, staff and students were seized.
The confirmation comes despite Sunday’s report that 50 abducted pupils had escaped and were reunited with their families, a development verified by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
CAN’s Media Aide in Niger State, Daniel Atori, confirmed the escape in a statement on Sunday.
According to the diocese, as of Monday, November 24, the following teachers remain in captivity:
Bitrus Yohanna
Cyril Bagudu
Mercy Yohanna
Justina Yakubu
Yohanna Daniel Dogonyaro
Agnes Joseph
The non-academic staff still missing include:
Anna Terry
Terry Francis
Emmanuel Ibrahim
Lydia Andrew
Godwin James
Hannatu Bulus
Secondary School Students Missing
The names of secondary school students still being held are:
Amos Kiloybas (JSS 1)
Onah Benedict (JSS 1)
Bulus Ezra (JSS 1)
Anthony Linus (JSS 2)
Dauda Zacharia (JSS 2)
Bulus Gustave (JSS 2)
Ejeh Mathew (JSS 3)
Iliya John (JSS 3)
Joshua Philip (JSS 3)
Samaila Habila (JSS 3)
Simon Christopher (SS 1)
Yohanna Cephas (SS 2)
Christopher Justice (SS 3)
Samuel Michael (SS 3)
The nursery and primary pupils whose whereabouts remain unknown include:
Natherniel Andrew, Shalom Terry, Ajikovi Andrew, Zacharia Sabastine, John Lois, Yohanna Veronica, Emmanuel Ibrahim, Ayuba Linus, Bulus Christopher, Ibrahim Micah, Joshua Dogara, Marcus Stephen, Samuel Peter, and Simon Wisdom.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, said in a statement that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that all abducted pupils and staff are rescued unharmed.
He assured that the command was coordinating with military and other security partners to track the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, while appealing for the safe return of all kidnapped pupils, students and staff, called on Nigerians to continue praying for their freedom.
See the list below:
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