The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says 315 people — comprising 303 students and 12 teachers — were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA.
Gunmen attacked the school in the early hours of November 21, taking hundreds of students and staff with them.
CAN had initially reported 227 abductees, stating that the victims included “215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers.”
However, in a new statement, Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said a verification exercise and final headcount revealed that the actual figures are much higher.
He said: “After leaving the school, we made calls and enquiries on those we initially thought had escaped, only to discover that 88 more students were captured after trying to flee.”
The school has a total population of 629 pupils and students — 430 in primary school and 199 in secondary school.
In a statement issued by Daniel Atori, spokesperson to Yohanna, the bishop dismissed reports suggesting the school received warnings from the government or security agencies before the attack, calling such claims “propaganda” designed to shift blame.
He stated: “We did not receive any circular or warning. In 2022, when there were rumours of security challenges, we shut down immediately without waiting for any government directive.”
Yohanna also refuted allegations that reverend sisters travelled to Abuja in relation to the incident, challenging those behind the claims to provide evidence.
He assured parents and the wider public that CAN is working closely with the government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of all abductees.
He added: “We call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities for a quick and safe return of our children and teachers.”