The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, during an armed terrorist attack on Friday. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate government intervention.
State CAN chairman Bulus Yohanna visited the school and met with the parents of the abducted children. He said efforts are underway to ensure their safe return, adding, “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.” Some students managed to escape during the attack, and parents have been returning to the school to retrieve their wards. Consequently, the school has been closed indefinitely.
Mr. Yohanna urged Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are ongoing with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to secure a speedy rescue of the abducted children and staff. The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of students and teachers in the region, prompting calls for the Niger State government and security agencies to take urgent action.
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. CAN has appealed for calm and prayer as it works closely with security agencies and government authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The nationwide outcry underscores the growing insecurity in the country and the urgent need for decisive action. The abduction from St. Mary’s Catholic School serves as a disturbing reminder of the risks faced by educational institutions in Nigeria and the essential role of government and security forces in safeguarding students and staff.
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