By Ayomide Otitoju
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed the release and reunification of all pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement dated December 25, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Diocese said a total of 230 pupils and staff were verified to have been abducted and later rescued following a comprehensive reconciliation and verification exercise.
According to the Diocese, those abducted comprised 12 staff members, 14 students and 204 pupils. All have now regained their freedom through the combined efforts of the Nigerian government and security agencies and have been successfully reunited with their families. No individual is currently reported missing.
The Bishop explained that immediately after the abduction on Friday, November 21, 2025, an initial headcount showed that 315 persons were unaccounted for. By Sunday, November 23, it was confirmed that 50 individuals had either escaped or rejoined their parents, reducing the figure to 265.
He said subsequent joint verification exercises involving the Niger State Government, security agencies and school authorities revealed further discrepancies. A final verification conducted with the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) established that an additional 35 persons had either not been abducted or had escaped earlier.
“In summary, out of the initial 315 persons reported missing, 85 were confirmed to have either escaped or not been abducted, bringing the verified total number of abducted persons to 230,” the statement said.
The Diocese attributed the discrepancies in the initial figures to the chaotic nature of the incident, noting that some pupils fled into nearby bushes and did not return immediately, while some parents were absent during early verification stages.
The Bishop stressed that the inconsistencies were not intended to mislead the public or cause panic but reflected the challenges of managing a fast-moving and emotionally charged situation.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora expressed gratitude to the Federal and Niger State Governments, security agencies and other stakeholders for their intervention, while also thanking parents, guardians, the Christian community, the media and the general public for their prayers, patience and support.
The Diocese concluded by committing the affected families to God for healing, restoration and lasting peace, and appreciated all those whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the pupils and staff.
