The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirms the full 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, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety for families and the school community.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the confirmation is contained in a statement dated December 25, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. The Diocese states that a comprehensive reconciliation and verification process establishes that a total of 230 persons were abducted and later rescued.
The verified figure includes 204 pupils, 14 students, and 12 staff members, all of whom have now regained freedom and reunited with their families. The Diocese confirms that no pupil or staff member remains in captivity, easing widespread fears and speculation surrounding the incident.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the Bishop explains that initial figures released after the November 21, 2025 abduction were provisional and reflected the confusion that followed the midnight raid on the school community. An early headcount indicated that 315 persons were missing, triggering a large-scale security response.
Further clarification shows that by November 23, about 50 persons had either escaped during the attack or returned to their parents independently, reducing the figure to 265. Subsequent joint verification by the Niger State Government, security agencies, school authorities, and the Parents-Teachers Association revealed that an additional 35 persons were never abducted or had escaped earlier without immediate notice.
“In summary, out of the initial 315 persons reported missing, 85 were confirmed to have either escaped or not been abducted. This brought the final, verified number of abducted persons to 230,” the Diocese explains in the statement.
The Bishop attributes the discrepancies to the chaotic nature of the attack, noting that some pupils fled into nearby bushes and could not be accounted for immediately, while some parents were absent during early verification exercises. He stresses that there was no intention to mislead the public or cause panic.
The Diocese expresses deep gratitude to the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, and Nigerian security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and staff. It also appreciates the role of community leaders, religious groups, and local stakeholders.
Special thanks are extended to parents, guardians, the Christian community, the media, and members of the public for their prayers, patience, and unwavering support throughout the ordeal.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora concludes by committing the rescued children, staff, and their families to God for healing and restoration, while calling for sustained security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities across Niger State and Nigeria at large.
