The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has confirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, during an attack by armed terrorists on Friday. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate government intervention.
According to the state CAN chairman, Bulus Yohanna, who visited the school and met with parents of the abducted children, efforts are underway to ensure their safe return. “I have just returned from the village after visiting the school, where I met with parents to assure them that we are working with the government and security agencies to rescue our children,” Mr. Yohanna stated.
Some students managed to escape during the attack, and parents have been returning to the school to retrieve their wards. As a result, the school has been closed indefinitely. Mr. Yohanna urged Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, assuring that collaborative efforts are ongoing with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the speedy rescue of the abducted children and staff.
The attack on the school has raised concerns about the safety of students and teachers in the region. The Niger State government and security agencies have been called upon to take urgent action to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on schools in Nigeria, highlighting the need for increased security measures to protect educational institutions.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has appealed for calm and prayer as efforts continue to secure the release of the abducted students and staff. The organization is working closely with security agencies and government authorities to ensure their safe return. The incident has sparked a nationwide outcry, with many calling for increased action to address the growing insecurity in the country.
The abduction of the students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School is a disturbing reminder of the risks faced by educational institutions in Nigeria. The incident has significant implications for the safety and well-being of students and teachers, and it is essential that the government and security agencies take immediate action to rescue the abducted individuals and prevent similar incidents in the future.