Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, has clarified that 265 pupils and teachers remain missing following the mass abduction at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Yohanna said the diocese has yet to receive any communication from the kidnappers.

“So far, we have not had any contact with them. As I’m speaking now, we’ve not had any call regarding the abductors,” he stated.

The raid occurred in the early hours of November 21, between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., when gunmen stormed the school premises. A security guard was shot at the gate before the attackers forced their way in.

According to Yohanna, the assailants initially tried to break into the convent where religious sisters reside but were misled by the guard, who told them the sisters did not live on‑site.

When those attempts failed, they moved to the students’ hostel, firing shots into the air and causing panic. Many escaped into the bushes, but dozens were taken away.

Rising Numbers and Verification

Initial reports estimated that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were missing.

However, after a detailed verification process involving community leaders, security operatives, and diocesan officials, the figure rose to 315 abducted persons—303 students and 12 teachers. In subsequent days, 50 pupils escaped and reunited with their families, leaving 265 still unaccounted for.

Yohanna rejected claims by the Niger State Government that the school operated without proper clearance despite alleged intelligence warnings.

He explained that in 2021/2022, the diocese shut down the school for five months after rumors of a possible attack, reinforcing the perimeter fence and adding security personnel.

“If we could close the school for mere rumor back then, I see no reason why we would ignore an official warning now. This accusation came as a surprise,” he said.

Parents’ Trauma and Security Response

The bishop confirmed ongoing communication with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kontagora and said police have taken statements from the sisters while compiling the list of missing persons.

“Most of the information we have, I’ve forwarded to the DSS officer in Kontagora. The sisters have gone to the DPO’s office to give their statements. We have given them the details and the names of those missing,” he explained.

Yohanna described the emotional state of parents as devastating. “Of course, they are traumatized and worried. We are praying and hoping that their children will be released. Everyone is traumatized,” he added.

The bishop noted that the incident underscores persistent concerns over school safety in Nigeria, referencing the Safe Schools Initiative introduced after the Chibok abduction.

In response, the Niger State Government has ordered the closure of schools across the state as part of emergency measures.

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