The Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, has confirmed that the number of students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, has increased to 303 following a fresh verification exercise.
Gunmen had stormed the Catholic-owned school in the early hours of Friday, initially whisking away 215 pupils and 12 teachers.
But after a detailed headcount and further inquiries, the figure was updated, bringing the total number of victims to 315, including the 12 staff members.
The state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, disclosed the new figures in a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Daniel Atori.
According to him, the adjustment became necessary after parents of pupils earlier believed to have escaped reported their children missing. CAN said the follow-up checks revealed that 88 additional students were captured while attempting to flee during the attack.
“At present, 303 students—male and female—and 12 teachers, comprising four females and eight males, are still in captivity,” the statement read. “The school currently has an enrolment of 629 learners—430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.”
Yohanna dismissed claims circulating that the state government had earlier issued a directive for schools in the area to shut down due to security concerns.
“Contrary to rumours, no circular or warning was received from the government or any security agency. This narrative appears to be an afterthought aimed at shifting blame,” he said.
The Bishop maintained that the school, owned by the Catholic Diocese, acted swiftly in the past whenever security advisories were issued, noting that it temporarily shut down operations in 2022 during heightened insecurity.
He also debunked reports alleging that Reverend Sisters from the school travelled to Abuja before the attack.
“No Reverend Sister travelled to Abuja as claimed. Anyone making such allegations should provide evidence or withdraw them.
Our Education Secretary confirmed that no directive—written or verbal—was received, and the National Association of Private Schools confirmed the same,” he added.
Yohanna urged residents to remain calm and prayerful, assuring that the Church is working closely with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to secure the safe return of the abducted children and staff.
“May the Lord grant their quick release and protect His people from harm,” he prayed.