Niger Abduction: Bishop’s Aide Says He Cannot Confirm All Schoolchildren Rescued

Daniel Atori, the media aide to the Bishop of the Kontagora Catholic Diocese and proprietor of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, has stated that he cannot definitively confirm that all abducted schoolchildren have been rescued. In a televised interview monitored by Daily Post, Atori explained that although the Federal Government has claimed that the children and teachers were freed, the school authorities have not yet physically received all the abductees back from captivity.

According to Atori, despite official assurances, the school administration remains cautious because they have not seen all the children and teachers themselves. He emphasized that they are relying on information from government officials, who have repeatedly stated that the abducted persons have been released. Atori also shared detailed figures about the initial abduction and developments since then.

The incident began on November 21, 2025, when armed gunmen stormed St. Mary’s School in the early hours of the morning, kidnapped pupils, students and teachers, and took them into a nearby forest. Initial figures on the number of abductees varied. While some reports mentioned over 300 students and staff were taken, later counts adjusted these totals after escapees were confirmed and further verification was conducted.

In the hours following the attack, dozens of students managed to escape from their captors and return home, providing the first indication of hope for families and authorities alike. Government security operatives, local community leaders, and religious authorities continued to collaborate in rescue efforts. The Telegraph Nigeria

By early December, the Federal Government had secured the release of a significant number of abducted pupils and staff and handed them over to state officials in Minna, Niger State’s capital. Despite celebrations from many families whose children were freed, questions remained about the fate of those still unaccounted for.

Officials later announced that all remaining schoolchildren and staff had been freed* and were expected to be reunited with their families shortly before Christmas — a development seen by many as a welcome relief during the holiday season. However, the school’s representatives have maintained a cautious stance, explaining that the official rescue claims are being accepted “on trust” until every individual is physically accounted for.

The events have also drawn attention to the broader issue of security challenges and mass kidnappings in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where armed groups often target schools for ransom or leverage. The situation has led to increased national and international concern, pressing for stronger protective measures for vulnerable communities and educational institutions.

As the nation continues to monitor the situation and families await final reunions, authorities remain under pressure to not only ensure the safety of the freed victims but also to prevent future attacks and hold those responsible accountable under the law.