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The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora, Bulus Yohanna, has reminded the federal government that 265 teachers and students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, remain unaccounted for.
This reminder follows a recent attack by gunmen believed to be bandits, who abducted numerous schoolchildren.
Yohanna shared this information on Friday during an interview on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a program on Channels Television, as reported by DAILY POST.
He stated that the total includes 12 teachers and 253 schoolchildren, noting that the diocese has submitted the names of the hostages to Niger State Governor Umar Bago.
“Initially, we had 303 pupils and students missing along with 12 teachers. After conducting a headcount, we updated the total to 315 individuals who cannot be accounted for,” he explained.
“Those who managed to escape returned to their villages. As we began receiving calls from those who reunited with their parents, we confirmed 50 individuals out of the 315, including staff and teachers who were also unaccounted for. After deducting that number, we currently have 265 individuals still missing,” the cleric stated.
He urged the Federal Government to deploy security personnel to protect schools in the North-Central state.
Yohanna, who also leads the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), expressed that the abduction has caused great distress among the parents of the kidnapped schoolgirls.
The bishop also disclosed that two parents have tragically passed away due to the shock from this incident.
He appealed to both the federal and state governments to assist the school by ensuring the safety of the students and teachers still held captive by the gunmen.
It is important to note that during the attack, the assailants took away over 300 children, marking a resurgence of mass kidnappings that have plagued Nigeria for years.
However, reports indicate that 50 individuals managed to escape and have since been reunited with their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many individuals are still missing after the attack?
Currently, 265 individuals, which include 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers, are still unaccounted for following the attack.
What actions has the Catholic Bishop taken regarding the situation?
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora, Bulus Yohanna, has called on the Federal Government to enhance security in schools and has submitted the names of the hostages to the Niger State Governor.
What has been the impact on the families of the kidnapped individuals?
The abduction has caused significant distress among the families, with reports indicating that two parents have died from shock related to the incident.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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