The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has reported that 88 additional students are missing following the attack on St. Mary Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
According to reports, many parents rushed to the school in an attempt to evacuate their children, but were unable to locate them after the raid.
The initial attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, saw terrorists abduct both students and staff members.
In a statement on Saturday morning, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, confirmed that the total number of missing students has now risen to 303.
Previously, 215 students were reported missing, alongside four female and eight male teachers who were also kidnapped during the incident.
The school, Bishop Yohanna noted, had a total enrollment of 430 primary pupils and 199 secondary students.
Addressing claims from the Secretary to the State Government that warnings were issued prior to the attack, the Bishop categorically denied receiving any notification from either government authorities or security agencies.
He said through his aide, Daniel Atori:
“We asked the Education Secretary if he received any circular, he said no. We asked if he was verbally informed, he said no. We also checked with the National Association of Private Schools; they too did not receive any such notice. Claims that the school was shut down and recently reopened are not true. We are law-abiding, and this misinformation must be corrected.”
The Bishop’s office continues to appeal for urgent government intervention to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students and staff.
