The Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State has confirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were taken away by armed men who attacked a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, in the early hours of Friday.
The state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said he had just returned from the community where he met with distressed parents and visited the affected school.
According to him, the scale of the abduction marks one of the most troubling incidents recorded in the state in recent years.
“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,” he said.
He noted that some pupils managed to escape during the attack. With the school shut for safety, parents have been arriving in the community to take their children home.
Yohanna added, “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.”
The CAN Chairman appealed for calm, saying the association was in close contact with security operatives, community leaders and the government.
“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,” he said.
The state police command had earlier confirmed the invasion of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School, Papiri, but said the number of abducted pupils was yet to be determined at the time. The armed men reportedly stormed the school around 2 a.m., taking away students and teachers after breaking into the premises.
