The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that 227 individuals—including students, teachers, and staff—were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, disclosed this in a statement issued in Minna by his media aide, Mr. Dan Atori.
According to the statement, the abducted victims comprise 215 pupils and students, along with 12 teachers. He noted that some students managed to escape during the attack, and parents have since begun retrieving their children as the school has been temporarily shut down.
The CAN chairman said the Association is working closely with the government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abductees. He appealed for calm and urged Nigerians to pray for the affected families, assuring that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
The attack, carried out today, Friday, November 21, 2025, was reportedly launched by suspected terrorists. Security operatives have since commenced rescue operations.