The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted during Friday’s attack on a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The confirmation was given by the Niger CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who said the incident marks one of the most significant school abductions in the state in recent years.
According to Yohanna, “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.”
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He added that some children managed to escape during the attack, and parents have been returning to take their children home as the school has been closed.
Yohanna said, “It is worthy to note that, during the terrorists attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming for pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.”
He appealed for calm, saying CAN is working closely with authorities: “I want to call for 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.”