The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that a total of 315 people, including students, pupils, and teachers, were seized after suspected terrorists attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
Until Friday, authorities had not provided an official figure for the number of abducted victims, leaving families in distress as the situation unfolded.
Yohanna explained that he had just returned from the affected community after visiting the school premises and meeting with parents who gathered in agony, seeking answers and reassurance.
According to him, “I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and Security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely.” He added that “From our record, 215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers, were abducted by the terrorists”, a statement conveyed through his media aide, Daniel Atori.
While providing more context on the incident, the CAN chairman noted that a number of students managed to escape during the attack, prompting parents to rush to the school to reclaim their children as the institution was immediately shut down. Yohanna emphasised the need for calm, urging the public not to panic as efforts to secure the release of the abductees intensify.
He said, “It is worth noting that, during the terrorist attack, some students escaped, and parents have started coming to pick up their children as the school has to be shut down.” He further appealed for patience and unity, adding, “I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and I also want to assure you that we are actively collaborating with security Operatives, community leaders, and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees. May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”
Reports from residents indicated that the attackers stormed the private Catholic boarding school in the early hours of Friday. Witnesses recounted that the terrorists arrived in large numbers, riding more than 60 motorcycles and backed by a van. The school’s gatekeeper was shot during the invasion and sustained severe injuries, adding to the panic and confusion that engulfed the community.
A source in Agwara confirmed the incident, saying, “Yes, it happened between 3 and 4 a.m. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed.” Another resident who spoke with distress described how not only the children but also their teachers were forcefully seized. The source said, “In the middle of the night, our community was shaken by a deeply tragic event. Bandits invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.
A Catholic private boarding school for boys and girls. Students and teachers were forcefully taken away during the attack. This is an extremely distressing moment for families, the communities, and Niger State as a whole. These are innocent young students and dedicated educators whose lives and futures are now at risk. Their safety must be a priority.”
The abduction incident coincided with a major directive from the Federal Government ordering the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges amid escalating security threats across several regions. The directive was contained in a circular dated November 21, 2025, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the circular, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, approved the shutdown in response to “recent security challenges” and the heightened need to avoid breaches in vulnerable areas. Principals of the affected schools were instructed to comply immediately with the closure order. The schools marked for shutdown span multiple states in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the southern region, reflecting the widespread nature of the security concerns.
What You Should Know
A total of 315 people were confirmed abducted after terrorists attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, including students and teachers.
CAN Chairman Bulus Dauwa Yohanna verified the figure and assured families that security agencies are working toward rescue efforts.
The attack occurred as the Federal Government ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges due to rising insecurity across several regions, heightening national concern over student safety.
