Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that 227 people, including teachers and students, were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
Rev. Yohanna, who doubles as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, made this known in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Dan Atori, in Minna.
Those abducted from the Catholic schools include 215 pupils and students and 12 teachers.
The Catholic Bishop explained that some students escaped during the attack, and parents have begun collecting their children, adding that the school has currently been shut down.
According to him, CAN is working with the Government and security agencies so as to secure the safe release of the abductees.
The CAN chairman appealed for calm and prayers, assuring that efforts are underway to rescue those kidnapped.
The attack was carried out between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m on Friday, November 21, 2025, by suspected terrorists.
Security operatives are believed to be actively involved in the abductees rescue efforts.