By Seyi Odewale
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has formally announced the release and safe reunification of all pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued on December 25, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Diocese said a comprehensive reconciliation and verification exercise confirmed that 230 persons were abducted and have now regained their freedom.
According to the Diocese, those freed include 12 members of staff, 14 secondary school students, and 204 primary school pupils. All the rescued children, the statement added, have since been reunited with their families, with no outstanding missing-person cases.
The Bishop explained that confusion initially followed the abduction, which occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025. An early headcount showed 315 people unaccounted for, but by Sunday, November 23, 50 individuals had been confirmed to have escaped or returned to their parents, reducing the figure to 265.
Further reviews by the Niger State Government, security agencies, school authorities, and later the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) uncovered additional discrepancies. A final verification established that 35 persons earlier listed were neither abducted nor missing, bringing the confirmed number of kidnapped persons to 230.
The Diocese attributed the conflicting figures to the chaotic circumstances surrounding the attack, noting that some pupils fled into nearby bushes, while others were not immediately accounted for because parents were absent during the initial verification process.
It stressed that the discrepancies were unintentional and not intended to misinform the public, but instead reflected the difficulties of managing a fast-moving, emotionally charged crisis.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora expressed deep appreciation to the Federal and Niger State Governments, security agencies, and all stakeholders involved in securing the release of the abducted pupils and staff. The Diocese also thanked parents, guardians, the Christian community, the media, and the broader public for their prayers, patience, and solidarity.
The statement concluded with prayers for healing and restoration for all affected families, while reaffirming gratitude to everyone whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the children and school staff.
