More Than 200 Pupils, Teachers Abducted At St. Mary Catholic School In Niger

No fewer than 227 persons, including teachers and students, were abducted during the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) made this known in a statement on Friday.

In the statement signed by Daniel Atori, media aide to the state CAN chairman, Daniel Okoh, the association disclosed that 215 pupils and students, alongside 12 teachers, were taken away when armed men stormed the school in the early hours of Friday.

The terrorists invaded the Catholic-owned school around 3:45 a.m., whisking away an unconfirmed number of learners and staff.

The statement reads, “I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and Security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely.

“From our records, 215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers, were abducted by the terrorists.

“It is worth noting that, during the terrorist attack, some students escaped, and parents have started coming to pick up their children as the school has to be shut down.

“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and I also want to assure you that we are actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”

The attack comes barely days after gunmen abducted 25 students from a secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, a raid that also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, who attempted to resist the attackers.