Authorities have still not established any form of communication with the armed men who abducted hundreds of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
This was confirmed by the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Bulus Yohanna, during an interview with Channels Television on Friday.
“So far, we have not had any contact with them. As I’m speaking now, we’ve not had any call regarding the abductors,” the bishop said, days after what has become one of the largest school kidnappings in Nigeria.
Background of the Attack
The school was raided by gunmen between 1am and 3am on November 21. The attackers shot a security guard and forced their way into the premises before marching pupils, students, and teachers into the bush.
Initial reports indicated that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were missing. But after verification by security operatives, community leaders, and diocesan officials, the number rose to 315 people — 303 students and 12 teachers.
The diocese later confirmed that 50 pupils escaped and reunited with their families, leaving 265 victims still in captivity.
Details of the Incident
According to Bishop Yohanna, the attackers first attempted to locate the Catholic sisters’ residence.
“They were asking, ‘Where are the sisters living?’ The gateman told them the sisters worked there but did not live on the premises, so they shot him and broke in,” he recounted.
The gunmen then tried to breach the barrier separating the convent from the school but failed, prompting them to storm the student hostels instead.
“They shot into the air and everyone was scared. Many escaped into the bushes, but they went away with some of them,” the bishop said.
Government Claims Rejected
Yohanna dismissed claims by the Niger State government that the school had been forewarned about a possible attack and failed to take action. He emphasized that the school had previously closed for months in 2021/2022 over mere rumours of an attack.
“We reinforced the security system, built a security fence, and relocated students writing final exams,” he said. “Since then, we have not had any verbal or written warning until this incident happened.”
He described government suggestions that the school operated without proper clearance as “shocking.”
Security Agencies Involved
The bishop confirmed ongoing communication with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kontagora. Statements have also been submitted to the police by the Catholic sisters.
Police at the local division are currently compiling names and details of the abducted victims.
“Of course, they are traumatised and worried. We are praying and hoping that by the grace of God, their children will be released,” he added.
Safe Schools Initiative Questioned
Reflecting on broader security failures, the bishop referenced the Safe Schools Initiative, launched after the 2014 Chibok abductions but widely criticized for lack of impact.
As of Friday, all schools across Niger State remain closed under government directive, while 265 children and teachers from St. Mary’s are still missing and no word has been heard from their abductors.
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