The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed the release and safe 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.
In a statement dated December 25, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Diocese disclosed that a total of 230 persons were verified to have been abducted during the attack and have since regained their freedom.
According to the Diocese, those abducted comprised 204 pupils, 14 students, and 12 staff members. All have now been reunited with their families, with no individual currently reported missing.
The Bishop explained that immediately after the abduction on Friday, November 21, 2025, an initial headcount indicated that 315 persons were unaccounted for.
However, subsequent assessments revealed discrepancies caused by the confusion that followed the incident.
By Sunday, November 23, it was confirmed that 50 individuals had either escaped or returned to their parents, reducing the number of unaccounted persons to 265.
Further joint verification exercises involving the Niger State Government, security agencies, school authorities, and the Parents-Teachers Association later established that an additional 35 persons were either not abducted or had escaped earlier.
“In summary, out of the initial 315 persons reported missing, 85 were confirmed to have either escaped or not been abducted, leaving a verified total of 230 abducted persons,” the statement clarified.
The Diocese attributed the initial discrepancies to the chaotic circumstances surrounding the attack, noting that some pupils fled into nearby bushes and only returned much later, while others were not immediately accounted for due to the absence of their parents during early verification.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora expressed deep appreciation to the Federal and Niger State Governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their swift intervention.
It also thanked parents, guardians, members of the Christian community, the media and the general public for their prayers, support, and patience throughout the ordeal.
The Diocese concluded by committing the affected families to God for healing and restoration, while reaffirming its gratitude to all who contributed to the safe return of the pupils and staff.
