The number of students and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 315, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). This figure marks a significant increase from the 227 victims earlier reported after suspected terrorists attacked the school in the early hours of Friday.
Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the chairman of CAN in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, confirmed the updated number following a verification exercise and a final headcount. The revised data shows that 303 students male and female and 12 teachers were kidnapped during the attack.
Yohanna said the correction became necessary after parents alerted the school authorities that some of the children initially believed to have escaped were still missing. “When some parents who we thought had their children back came asking for them, we became concerned. A fresh census revealed that 88 more students had actually been abducted after attempting to escape,” he explained.
Before the incident, the school had 629 learners enrolled: 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary section.
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The CAN chairman also dismissed reports suggesting that the school received warnings or security advisories before the attack. He described the claims as “propaganda” and insisted that no circular was issued to the school by any government or security agency. “We did not receive any prior notice. Whoever claims this should present evidence,” he said. Yohanna added that the Catholic Diocese owns the school, not any individual, and debunked rumours alleging that Reverend Sisters had travelled to Abuja before the attack.
He called for calm, assuring parents and the public that the Church is working closely with security agencies and government authorities to secure the safe return of all abductees. “We continue to pray and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the quick and safe rescue of every child and teacher,” he said.
Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on over 60 motorcycles, accompanied by a van, and stormed the school between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. They reportedly shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him critically injured, before breaking into the hostels and abducting students and staff. Community members said the incident has thrown Agwara into fear and uncertainty.
One source described the attack as “a deeply tragic event,” noting that both students and teachers were taken away forcefully in what has become one of the largest school abductions in recent years. “These are innocent young learners and dedicated educators. Their safety must be the utmost priority,” the source said.
Meanwhile, in what appears to be a related response to rising insecurity, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across the country. The directive, conveyed in a circular dated November 21, 2025, and approved by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, cited “recent security challenges” as the reason for the shutdown. Principals were instructed to enforce the closure without delay.
