St Mary’s Catholic School Kidnap: Niger CAN Confirms 227 Persons Abducted

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State branch, has officially verified a disturbing mass abduction involving staff and students of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools located in Papiri, Niger State. According to the statement released by the CAN chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, a total of 227 individuals were taken during the attack.

Most Rev. Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, disclosed this information through a written announcement shared by his media aide, Mr. Dan Atori, in Minna. The breakdown of the kidnapped individuals shows that 215 students and pupils, along with 12 teachers, were among those seized by the armed attackers.

The confirmation highlights yet another troubling incident in Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, especially in communities that have faced repeated episodes of school-targeted abductions. This development has intensified calls for stronger protection of educational institutions and more effective security interventions to safeguard vulnerable communities.

The emotional impact on affected families, students, and educators remains deeply profound, and many Nigerians continue to hope for swift rescue efforts. Security agencies and community leaders have been urged to collaborate toward securing the immediate release of the abducted individuals.