CAN confirms 227 abducted from St. Mary’s School in Niger State
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has confirmed that 227 people were abducted during the early-morning attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The assault, carried out by armed bandits between 2am and 3am on Friday, threw the community into confusion as authorities struggled to determine the exact number of missing persons. Initial figures varied, with school officials and residents giving conflicting accounts.
However, in a statement released Friday evening, Daniel Atori, media aide to the state CAN chairman, clarified that a consolidated headcount showed that 215 pupils and students were taken alongside 12 teachers.
He described the incident as “a devastating blow to families and the Christian community,” calling for urgent government intervention to rescue the victims.
Security agencies have not yet issued an official update on ongoing rescue efforts, but local vigilante groups and military units were reported to be combing nearby forests.
The abductions add to the growing concerns over school safety in northern Nigeria, where banditry and mass kidnappings have persisted despite repeated government assurances.
