The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has dismissed reports that kidnappers of 315 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, demanded a ransom of N3 billion.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, clarified on Saturday that the gunmen had not made any contact with authorities or the school since the attack.
Bishop Yohanna provided a breakdown of the victims, confirming that 303 students and 12 teachers—comprising 4 females and 8 males—were abducted.
Yohanna also explained that an initial count had overlooked 88 students who were captured while attempting to escape, bringing the total to 315.
Before the attack, the school had 629 students, with 430 in primary and 199 in secondary levels.
Addressing rumours of prior warnings from government or security agencies, Bishop Yohanna strongly denied any advance notice.
His words: “We did not receive any circular from the government prior to the abduction.
”Any claim suggesting otherwise is an afterthought, likely aimed at shifting blame,” he said.
The bishop emphasised that in past incidents, such as in 2022, the school acted promptly when credible security threats emerged, without waiting for official directives.
The abduction has intensified concerns over student safety nationwide.
In response, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges.
A circular issued on November 21, 2025, by the Ministry of Education, directed school principals to enforce the shutdown due to escalating security risks.
The closures affect schools across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.
Bishop Yohanna assured parents that CAN is actively coordinating with government and security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted students and staff.
He urged the public to rely on official information and avoid circulating unverified social media claims that could cause confusion or panic.
The Niger State abduction is one of the largest in recent years, drawing attention to the growing insecurity in northern Nigeria and the urgent need for strengthened protective measures for students and educational institutions.
