The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Bolus Yohanna, has confirmed that a total of 215 students and 12 teachers were abducted in a midnight raid on a Catholic school in Papiri village, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attackers were said to have stormed the school between 2 am and 3 am on Friday, forcing their way into the premises before taking the victims into the surrounding forest.
Speaking after returning from a visit to the community, Bishop Yohanna, who also serves as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State, recounted how he met with distraught families and school staff.
“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 explained that a number of students managed to escape during the attack, prompting parents to rush to the school to retrieve their children as authorities ordered an immediate shutdown of the institution.
“It is worthy to note that, during the terrorist attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming to pick up their children as the school has to be shut down,” he added.
Calling for restraint and unity, the Bishop urged residents and parents to keep faith while efforts continue to track and rescue the abducted victims.
“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.
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