The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State updated the victim count from Friday’s terrorist raid on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools to 315 — comprising 303 students and 12 teachers — after a verification exercise revealed additional abductions during escape attempts, as security forces intensify forest sweeps for the captives.
The attack in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, saw gunmen overpower guards and seize pupils during early morning hours, with initial reports citing 215 students missing. CAN’s census, prompted by parental inquiries, uncovered 88 more students captured while fleeing, bringing the total to 315, including four female and eight male teachers.
Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Niger State CAN Chairman, confirmed the figures through his media aide Daniel Atori, stating: “The total number of victims abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area is now 303 students and 12 teachers.”
On the revised tally, Yohanna explained: “After leaving the school, we made calls and conducted a verification exercise to confirm the status of those we thought had escaped. We discovered that 88 more students had been captured while attempting to flee. This came to light when parents, whose children we believed were safe, inquired about them. It prompted us to carry out a full census, which revealed the higher number.”
He added: “At present, 303 students, both male and female, and 12 teachers — four female and eight male — remain abducted, bringing the total number of victims to 315.”
Yohanna dismissed rumours of prior warnings, asserting: “Contrary to rumours, no circular or warning was received from the government or security agencies. This narrative appears to be an afterthought aimed at shifting blame. In 2022, when security concerns arose, the school shut down immediately. We have always complied with security advisories, whether formal or informal.”
The school, owned by the Catholic Diocese and enrolling 629 pupils (430 primary, 199 secondary), faced no recent alerts from authorities or the National Association of Private Schools, Yohanna noted.
In a plea for unity, he urged: “We urge everyone to remain prayerful. We will continue to collaborate actively with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of all abductees. May the Lord grant their quick release and protect His people from harm.”
Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed ongoing operations, stating: “A combined team of security operatives has been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and effect the rescue of the abducted persons.”
The raid, the latest in a spate of school sieges following abductions in Kebbi and Kwara, has amplified national outrage over educational vulnerabilities, with parents blockading roads in protest and demanding federal airstrikes.
