The number of students and teachers kidnapped by suspected terrorists from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 315.
The latest figures emerged as Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State ordered all public and private schools to shut down boarding facilities and operate strictly as day schools. Similarly, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State directed the closure of all schools across the state due to growing insecurity.
A detailed breakdown showed that 303 of the abducted victims are students, while 12 are teachers.
This update was provided by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Johanna. His media aide, Daniel Atori, confirmed the figures after a verification exercise and final headcount.
According to the statement, the number increased after it was discovered that 88 additional students were taken while attempting to flee during the attack.
The statement explained:
“After leaving the school at Papiri, we made several calls and conducted a thorough verification. We also followed up with parents of students initially believed to have escaped, only to learn that many of them were still missing. We then carried out a fresh census and confirmed they had been abducted.”
The school has a total of 629 children—430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary section.
No prior warning to shut down
Reacting to claims that the school was earlier instructed to close due to security threats, the Bishop dismissed the allegation as misinformation.
“We have asked the education secretary, and he confirmed he received no circular. He was not instructed to forward any notice to us, neither verbally nor in writing. The National Association of Private Schools also confirmed they got no such directive. Let those making the claim tell the public who they gave the circular to and through what channel.”
Niger and Taraba governments take action
Following a security meeting in Minna, Governor Bago ordered the immediate closure of all schools across Niger State, including missionary, Islamic, and Federal Government colleges.
He added that the Department of State Services and the police are working to determine the exact number of kidnapped students.
In Taraba, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, said boarding students have become targets for criminal groups, prompting the governor to suspend boarding operations in all secondary schools with immediate effect.
Yobe joins in precautionary measures
The Yobe State Government also directed the closure of all boarding secondary schools. The directive followed a security briefing with Governor Mai Mala Buni and the heads of security agencies.
A notice from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education stated that the schools will remain closed until the situation improves.
