The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were kidnapped during a bandit attack on a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, disclosed the development on Friday after visiting the school and meeting with parents affected by the incident. He described the attack as one of the most alarming mass abductions recorded in the state in recent times.
According to him, some students managed to flee during the attack, while parents have been returning to retrieve their children as the school has been closed.
He said, “I just returned from the village where I met with the parents, and I assured them that we are working with the government and security operatives to ensure that our children are safely rescued and brought back home.”
Yohanna appealed for calm, urging residents to continue praying. He emphasised that CAN is working closely with security agencies, community leaders and government authorities to secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
The Niger State Police Command had earlier confirmed the kidnapping of students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School after armed men invaded the school at about 2 a.m. on Friday.
