The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna has confirmed that a total of 227 persons, including teachers and students, were abducted, following an attack by suspected terrorists on the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in the Agwarra local government area of Niger state.
Authorities had yet to release the number of victims of the attack as of Friday, when the news first broke.
“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.
“From our record, 215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers, were abducted by the terrorists”, Yohanna said in a statement e-signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori, on Friday.
While shedding more light on the incident, Yohanna, however, said some students were lucky to have escaped during the attack.
“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 called for calm, assuring that the school is collaborating with security agencies to secure the freedom of the abductees.
“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.”
It was learnt that the attackers stormed the school, said to be a private Catholic school located in the Agwara Local Government Area of the state, in the early hours of Friday.
Sources said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, riding on over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van.
They were said to have shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him with serious injuries.
A source in Agwara who confirmed the incident said, “Yes, it happened between 3 and 4 a.m. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed.”
Another source claimed that some teachers were also forcibly taken away during the attack.
“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 source said.
FG Orders Closure Of 41 Unity Colleges
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges over rising security concerns.
The directive was issued through a circular dated November 21, 2025, from the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the document, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, approved the shutdown following “recent security challenges” in parts of the country and the need to prevent breaches.
The circular asked principals of affected schools to enforce the closure without delay.
The 41 schools are in states across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.
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