Latest reports from the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) say the total number of abducted persons from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwarra LGA, is now 315 and not 227 as earlier stated.
CAN ints updated release on Friday by its Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, said the new figure followed what he described as a “thorough verification exercise and final census reached after families and the school traced students who were earlier believed to have escaped.
According to CAN, “After leaving the school, we made calls and enquiries on those we initially thought had escaped, only to discover that 88 more students were captured after trying to flee.”
The body pointed out that the school has a total population of 629 learners , comprising, 430 in the primary and 199 in the secondary section.
CAN used the forum to dismiss reports that the school ignored prior warnings from government officials or security agencies, insisting that they did not receive any circular or warning.
The Bishop made it clear that In 2022, when there were rumours of security challenges, the school was shut down without waiting for any government directive.
He described the circulating reports as “propaganda” aimed at shifting responsibility away from those tasked with securing the region.
Bishop Yohanna also debunked claims that the reverend sisters travelled to Abuja in connection with the incident, emphasizing that, “There_ is no truth in that report. Let those making these allegations provide evidence.”
The bishop however assured parents and the wider public that CAN was working closely with the government and security agencies to secure the safe release of all abductees.
Recall, Gunmen had invaded the school between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on November 21, whisking away dozens of pupils, students and teachers during the midnight attack.
