The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora Secretary, Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, on Friday confirmed abduction of 52 students, teachers, and a security officer from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, which occurred in the early hours of Friday.
Father Joseph, who confirmed the development through a statement issued on Friday, said armed attackers invaded the schools between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., causing fear and distress within the school community.
The Diocese expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children, staff, and their families, assuring the public that it is working closely with security agencies, co “The Diocese calls on the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and quick return of all abducted. We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of children and will provide further updates as verified information becomes available,” the statement read.
The statement also prayed for divine intervention, adding: “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger.”
The Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi, also confirmed the attack.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday Gidi said, “Yes it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.”
He further revealed the scale of the attack, stating, “The information that is reaching us is that they have kidnapped over 100 students and teachers. Also, it is a mixed school with boys and girls.”
