By Peter Omopo
The number of pupils and students abducted from St Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, has increased to 303, according to an updated report by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter.
Gunmen had invaded the Catholic-owned school in the early hours of Friday, initially abducting 215 pupils along with 12 teachers. However, a detailed verification exercise revealed that 88 additional students, earlier thought to have escaped, were also among those taken.
This brings the total number of abductees to 315, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, confirmed the revised figures in a statement issued on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori.
More Students Discovered Missing After Full Census
According to Yohanna, the initial tally was revised after school authorities and parents conducted further checks.
“After leaving the school, we made calls and carried out a verification exercise. We discovered that 88 more students had been captured while attempting to flee,” the statement read.
He explained that the updated number emerged after parents of children previously believed to be safe reached out to the school, prompting a full census of pupils.
The Bishop disclosed that St Mary’s has a total enrolment of 629 students — 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary school.
No Government Warning Issued Before Attack — CAN
Yohanna also dismissed widespread claims that the school had ignored a supposed government directive to shut down due to security threats in the area.
“Contrary to rumours, no circular or warning was received from the government or security agencies,” he said.
He described the circulating claims as “an afterthought aimed at shifting blame,” insisting that the school had always complied with security advisories.
The Bishop reiterated that the institution is owned by the Catholic Diocese and not any private individual, refuting reports that some staff travelled to Abuja ahead of the incident.
Call for Calm as Search Continues
He urged parents, residents, and Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, assuring that the Church is working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the safe release of all abductees.
“We will continue to collaborate actively with security operatives and relevant authorities to ensure their return. May the Lord grant their quick release and protect His people from harm,” the statement added.
The mass abduction is the latest in a series of violent attacks on educational institutions in northern Nigeria, raising renewed concerns about student safety and regional security.
