The Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reported that “227 persons, including teachers and students” were taken when bandits raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, early Friday morning.
The attack, which reportedly happened between 2am and 3am, initially left the total number of abducted individuals unclear.
In an update released Friday evening, Daniel Atori, media aide to Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman in Niger state, stated that “215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers”, were confirmed to have been kidnapped.
“I have just got back to the village this night after I visited 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,” the statement reads.
“From our record, 215 pupils and students including 12 teachers were abducted by the terrorists.
“It is worthy to note that, during the terrorists attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming for pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.
“I want to call for on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and 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.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”
Earlier in the day, the Niger state government noted that the school had resumed operations without official clearance, despite an advisory mandating the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected region.
The development follows shortly after the kidnapping of 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi state.