Summary
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has released an updated list detailing the number of pupils and staff still in captivity following the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, in Niger State.
According to the diocese, the latest headcount compiled on November 24 shows that 265 individuals remain abducted. The updated figures list five teachers, seven non-academic workers, 14 secondary school students, and 239 nursery and primary school pupils still missing.
The victims were kidnapped on Friday, November 21, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the school community, taking hundreds of people away.
Earlier on Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced that 50 abductees had managed to escape and reunite with their families. CAN added that a comprehensive recount showed that 315 people were actually abducted, a higher figure than initially reported because some persons earlier believed to have escaped were later discovered to be missing.
CAN Chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, urged the public to remain calm and continue praying, stressing that the Church is collaborating with security agencies to ensure the safe return of all victims. He also refuted claims that the school received advance warnings of the attack, stating such reports were false.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency following a wave of kidnappings and terror-related incidents. He ordered a full security lockdown across forests in Kwara State, directing the Nigerian Air Force to boost aerial surveillance in the most inaccessible areas where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.
Here is the full list of the St. Mary’s Catholic School students still in captivity:
What You Should Know
The attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, is one of the largest mass abductions in recent years, involving mostly young children.
Despite initial confusion over the numbers, authorities now confirm that 265 victims are still unaccounted for.
CAN and the diocese continue to work with security agencies, while President Tinubu has escalated national security measures in response to rising kidnappings across multiple states.
