Bandits, who attacked St Mary Private Primary and Secondary schools, Papiri, Agwara Local Government, Niger State on Friday, are holding a total number of 315 people captive, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has submitted.
Following a verification exercise and further inquiries, the number of abducted students was updated to 303, with the total number of victims now at 315, including 12 teachers.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the state chairman of CAN, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna in a statement released on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori noted that a headcount of students was taken to know the number of people that have been taken away by the bandits.
The statement also noted that the management of St Mary Private Primary and Secondary schools, as well as the National Association of Private Schools, did not receive any prior government circular instructing the closure of high schools in the area before 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.
After leaving the school, we made calls and conducted a verification exercise to confirm the status of those who 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 fresh headcount, which revealed the higher number.
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. The school’s enrolment stands at 629, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.
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’ the statement added.
The state CAN also noted that the organization is ready to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
‘We urge everyone to remain prayerful. We will continue to collaborate actively with security agencies, 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’ he added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
