Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, clarified that in the mass abduction at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, 265 pupils and teachers remain missing, with no contact yet from the abductors.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Yohanna said the diocese has yet to receive any communication from the kidnappers.
“So far, we have not had any contact with them. As I’m speaking now, we’ve not had any call regarding the abductors,” he said.
The raid took place in the early hours of November 21, between about 1 a.m and 3 a.m, when gunmen stormed the school premises.
They reportedly shot a security guard at the gate before forcing their way in.
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According to the bishop, the assailants first attempted to break into the convent where the religious sisters reside but were misled by the guard, who told them the sisters did not live on-site.
“After shooting him, they tried unsuccessfully to force the gate connecting the convent to the school.
“When those attempts failed, they moved to the students’ hostel.
“They shot into the air, and everyone was scared. Many escaped into the bushes, but they still made away with a number of them”, Yohanna said.
Initial reports estimated that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were missing.
However, the figure increased significantly after a detailed verification process involving community leaders, security operatives, and diocesan officials.
A headcount conducted the morning after the attack confirmed that 303 students missing, and 12 teachers unaccounted for, bringing the total to 315 abducted persons.
In subsequent days, 50 pupils escaped and reunited with their families.
“Out of that number, we deducted the 50. We now have 265 still missing. That is the number as of now,” the bishop said.
Yohanna debunked claims by the Niger State Government that the school operated without proper clearance despite prior intelligence suggesting possible attacks.
He acknowledged that in 2021/2022, there were rumours of a potential attack and the diocese immediately shut down the school for five months, reinforced the perimeter fence, and added security personnel.
But he stressed that no warnings preceded the latest attack.
“If we could close the school for mere rumour back then, I see no reason why we would ignore an official warning now. This accusation came as a surprise,” he said.
The bishop confirmed that ongoing communication has been established with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kontagora.
“The police have also taken statements from the sisters and are compiling the list of all missing persons.
“Most of the information we have, I’ve forwarded to the DSS officer in Kontagora.
“The sisters have gone to the DPO’s office to give their statements. We have given them the details and the names of those missing”, he said.
Yohanna described the emotional state of parents as devastating.
“Of course, they are traumatised and worried. We are praying and hoping that their children will be released. Everyone is traumatised”, he added.
He noted that the incident underscores persistent concerns over school safety in Nigeria, referencing the years-long Safe Schools Initiative introduced after the Chibok abduction.
The bishop noted that the Niger State Government has now ordered the closure of schools across the state as part of emergency measures.
