The number of pupils and students abducted from St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools has risen to 303, according to the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The attack occurred in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed St Mary’s Catholic School in the early hours of Friday, initially abducting 215 pupils and 12 teachers.
Following a verification exercise, the number of abducted students was updated to 303, bringing the total number of victims to 315, including the 12 teachers.
The Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, disclosed the revised figures in a statement issued on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori. He explained that the increase followed a detailed verification exercise and a final headcount.
The Bishop also clarified that neither the management of St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools nor the National Association of Private Schools received any government directive to close secondary schools in the area prior to the attack.
“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,” Atori quoted the Bishop as saying.
He added that the updated figure emerged after school officials contacted families and conducted further checks: “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.”
“At present, 303 students—male and female—and 12 teachers, comprising four women and eight men, remain abducted, bringing the total number of victims to 315. The school’s enrolment stands at 629, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.”
Addressing claims that the government had issued prior security warnings, the Bishop said “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 is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not any individual. No Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja, as alleged. Anyone making such claims should provide proof or retract the statements. Our Education Secretary confirmed he received no circulars, written or verbal, and the National Association of Private Schools also received none.”
He concluded with a call for calm: “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.”
