Armed men kidnapped students from St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 303 students remain in captivity.
The attackers initially took 215 students and 12 teachers. A verification exercise later revealed 88 additional students had been captured. This brought the total number of victims to 315, including teachers.
St Mary School Abduction Figures Updated
Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, state CAN chairman, said inquiries helped update the numbers. “After leaving the school, we called parents and verified the status of children. We discovered 88 more students were kidnapped while trying to escape. A full census confirmed the total,” he said.
Currently, 303 students—male and female—and 12 teachers remain abducted. The school enrolls 629 students, with 430 in primary and 199 in secondary levels.
St Mary School Abduction: No Prior Warning Received
Rev. Yohanna clarified that the school management and the National Association of Private Schools received no official circular instructing a closure before the attack. The school, owned by the Catholic Diocese, has consistently followed security advisories.
Authorities Continue Efforts to Resolve St Mary School Abduction
He urged calm and prayers while stressing collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and relevant authorities. “We remain committed to securing the safe return of all victims,” he said.
