"CAN and Kontagora Catholic Diocese Call for Action to Rescue Abducted Niger Students"

Table of Contents

• Condemnation of the Attack
• Details of the Incident
• Response from the Diocese
• CAN's Statement
• Prayer for Safety

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, along with the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, has condemned the early-morning assault on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, where armed individuals kidnapped pupils, students, teachers, and a security guard.

The assailants reportedly stormed the school grounds between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., during which the security guard was “severely injured” in the attack.

In a statement issued from the Catholic Bishop’s House in Kontagora and signed by Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Diocese characterized the attack as one that instilled “fear and distress within the school community.”

The statement condemned the incident in the strongest terms and conveyed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families.

The Diocese noted that security agencies were promptly notified and had initiated coordinated actions to ensure the safe recovery of the victims. It also assured the public that the Church is actively working with security personnel, community leaders, and government officials.

The statement encouraged the community to remain calm, support security operations, and continue praying for the safe and swift return of all those abducted. It reaffirmed the Church’s dedication to safeguarding children and promised to provide updates as verified information becomes available.

The Diocese concluded with a prayer: “May the Lord grant a swift release to those abducted and continue to shield His people from all harm.”

In a separate statement, CAN, under the leadership of Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, also condemned the attack, confirming that the incident transpired between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025.

The association described the assault as being executed by “suspected terrorists” and reported that pupils, students, teachers, and a member of the security staff were abducted and injured.

CAN stated that it is actively collaborating with security personnel, community leaders, and government authorities, urging the public to support ongoing rescue efforts and to continue praying for the safe return of all those abducted.

The statement reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting children and indicated that further updates would be shared once more verified information becomes available.

The statement concluded with the prayer: “May the Lord grant a swift release to those abducted and continue to safeguard His people from all dangers.”