The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed one of the most shocking mass school abductions in recent Nigerian history, following the kidnapping of 215 pupils and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The terrifying incident, which occurred in the dead of the night, has plunged the community into anguish, raised nationwide security concerns, and intensified calls for urgent government intervention in the protection of schools across vulnerable regions.
A Midnight Attack That Left a Community Shattered
Residents recount that heavily armed attackers stormed the isolated school compound between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., taking advantage of the late hour when students were asleep and the area was minimally guarded. The invaders reportedly overwhelmed the school’s security personnel, with one guard shot during the attack, before herding hundreds of students and staff into the surrounding forest.
Survivors described scenes of chaos as gunfire tore through the quiet night, sending many students fleeing into the bush in confusion. Some of those who escaped have since reunited with parents, but hundreds remain missing.
The school has since been shut down, and the premises deserted, leaving behind abandoned beds, scattered belongings, and a heavy silence that reflects the community’s deep trauma.
CAN’s Confirmation and Immediate Response
CAN’s Niger State Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, expressed profound sorrow and outrage over the abduction, describing it as “a heartbreaking affront to humanity and an attack on the future of our children.” In a formal statement issued through his media aide, Daniel Atori, the Bishop reaffirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers remain unaccounted for.
According to CAN, the association is working in close coordination with security agencies, community vigilante groups, and government authorities to support rescue operations already underway. Rev. Yohanna assured parents that every available channel is being mobilized to secure the return of the abducted students and staff.
He called for calm, prayer, and community solidarity while emphasizing that this attack once again exposes the urgent need to strengthen school safety, especially in rural and high-risk areas.
A Broader Failure: School Reopening Despite Security Warnings
Emerging details indicate that the school had reportedly reopened without full clearance after the Niger State Government issued security advisories warning boarding schools in vulnerable areas to temporarily halt operations.
CAN expressed deep concern that such warnings were not strictly followed, leaving students exposed to avoidable danger. The association urged school administrators across Nigeria to adhere strictly to state and security directives, noting that compliance is a critical step in safeguarding children.
This revelation has triggered widespread public questions about accountability, regulation, and oversight mechanisms within the region’s education system.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora Condemns the Abductions
The Catholic Diocese overseeing the school also issued a strongly worded statement condemning the violent attack. The diocesan secretary noted that the raid occurred over a two-hour window between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., describing the event as “a calculated assault on innocent children.”
The Diocese expressed solidarity with affected families and pledged cooperation with security personnel, emphasizing that the Church “will not abandon its flock in this moment of fear and uncertainty.”
Church leaders have also urged the public to focus on constructive support, prayer, and patience as rescue efforts continue.
Government and Security Agencies Mobilize in Race Against Time
Security operatives including police tactical units, military formations, and local vigilante teams have launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations across forests and waterways surrounding Agwara.
Aerial surveillance, ground teams, and intelligence-gathering operations have been deployed, with authorities assuring the public that no effort will be spared.
Officials have also begun investigating how the attack penetrated existing security frameworks and why earlier risk alerts were not fully implemented by the school administration.
While no official comment has been made on possible ransom demands, authorities have maintained that they are committed to a safe, strategic, and discreet approach to recovering those abducted.
