The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Bulus Yohanna, has given a clearer picture of the mass abduction that struck St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, confirming that the kidnappers have made no contact nearly a week after the attack.
“So far, we have not had any contact with them. As I’m speaking now, we’ve not had any call regarding the abductors,” Yohanna said in an interview with Channels Television on Friday.
The assault occurred between 1 am and 3 am on November 21, when armed men stormed the school premises, shooting a security guard and seizing pupils, students and teachers.
Initial assessments put the number of missing persons at 215 pupils and 12 teachers. However, after a verification exercise led by security personnel, community leaders and diocesan officials, the figure was revised to 315 abducted persons — comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
The diocese later confirmed that 50 escaped and reunited with their families. The number of those still unaccounted for now stands at 265.
Recounting events from the night of the raid, Bishop Yohanna said the gunmen first attempted to break into the convent where Catholic sisters reside.
“The first attempt was to see if they could break through where the sisters are living. That didn’t happen,” he explained. “They asked the gateman where the sisters lived. He told them they worked there but did not live there. So they shot him and forced the gate open.”
The assailants also tried but failed to break through the gates separating the convent from the school buildings. They eventually forced their way to the hostel area, shooting into the air and causing students to flee into surrounding bushes.
A headcount conducted the morning after the incident confirmed the total of 315 abducted persons.
Responding to reports that the school ignored prior intelligence warnings, Yohanna dismissed the claims as inaccurate.
He noted that the school was previously shut for five months in 2021/2022 following rumours of a planned attack. During that period, the management reinforced the perimeter fence and hired more security personnel.
“Since then, we have not had anything — no verbal warning, no written warning — until this incident happened,” he said. “This accusation came as a surprise because if we could close the school for mere rumour, I see no reason why we should have a direct instruction and not obey it.”
The Niger State Government had earlier alleged that the school operated without clearance despite intelligence pointing to a potential threat.
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The bishop said he has maintained communication with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kontagora, adding that the Catholic sisters working at the school had submitted statements to the police.
“Most of the information we have, especially the details, I’ve forwarded to the DSS,” he said. “The police at the DPO in Kontagora called to say the sisters are to make a statement, which we have done.”
Yohanna described parents of the abducted children as “traumatised and worried,” urging prayers for the safe return of the missing pupils and teachers.
He also referenced the Safe Schools Initiative launched after the 2014 Chibok abduction, noting that while he could not speak for government-owned schools, the diocese had taken steps to secure its facilities.
“We shut the place and beefed up the security there,” he said. “Officially, schools are closed in Niger State.”
Security operations have continued in the area, though authorities have not announced any breakthroughs in locating the abductors or the missing children.
