The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has announced the successful release and reunification of all pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement dated December 25, 2025, the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, confirmed that a total of 230 individuals were abducted during the attack on the school and have now regained their freedom following coordinated rescue efforts by government authorities and security agencies.
According to the Diocese, those abducted included 12 members of staff, 14 secondary school students, and 204 pupils.
The Bishop said all the rescued children and staff have since been reunited with their families, adding that no person remains unaccounted for.
The statement explained that confusion initially surrounded the number of victims due to the chaotic circumstances of the attack, which occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025.
An early headcount conducted shortly after the incident indicated that 315 persons were missing, triggering widespread concern.
However, further clarification emerged within days.
By Sunday, November 23, it was confirmed that 50 individuals had either escaped during the attack or returned to their parents on their own, reducing the number of missing persons to 265.
Subsequent verification exercises carried out jointly by the Niger State Government, security agencies, and school authorities revealed additional discrepancies.
A final reconciliation conducted with the involvement of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) established that a further 35 individuals had not been abducted at all or had escaped earlier without immediate notice.
“In total, out of the initial figure of 315 persons reported missing, 85 were confirmed to have either escaped or not been abducted, leaving a verified number of 230 abducted persons,” the Diocese clarified.
The Bishop attributed the initial inconsistencies to the panic and disorder that followed the attack, noting that some pupils fled into surrounding bushes for safety and did not return immediately, while the absence of some parents during early verification further complicated the process.
He stressed that the discrepancies were never intended to misinform the public but were the result of managing a fast-evolving and emotionally charged situation involving young children.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, and various security agencies for their intervention, which led to the safe return of the abducted pupils and staff.
Gratitude was also extended to parents, guardians, members of the Christian community, the media, and the wider public for their prayers, patience, and support throughout the ordeal.
The statement concluded with prayers for healing and recovery for the affected families, while reaffirming the Diocese’s commitment to peace, safety, and the welfare of children and educators in the region.
