Table of Contents
- Latest Update from CAN
- Details of the Abduction
- Current Status of Missing Individuals
- Government Response
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has stated that it has not yet received any communication from the gunmen who kidnapped the pupils and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, nearly a week following the incident.
Bishop Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of CAN in the state, provided this update on Friday.
He confirmed that 315 individuals were initially taken during the raid on November 21, which included 303 pupils and 12 teachers.
“As of now, we have not had any contact with them. At this moment, we have not received any calls from the abductors,” he remarked.
The attackers invaded the school in Agwara Local Government Area between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., shooting a security guard before rounding up the victims.
Bishop Yohanna explained that after a recount and subsequent communications from parents, it was revealed that 50 pupils and some staff members, initially thought to be missing, had returned home.
“As we started receiving calls from parents, we were able to confirm that 50 out of the 315 individuals, including staff who were unaccounted for, have returned,” he stated. “From that number, we have deducted them from the original 315. We now have 265 individuals still missing.”
He added that he has been in direct contact with the DSS in Kontagora and that the school has already submitted full statements and a list of the missing persons to the local police division.
The Niger State Government has since ordered the closure of all schools and deployed tactical units, ground troops, and local hunters to assist in locating the abducted students and teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the kidnapped individuals?
As of now, 265 individuals remain missing after the abduction of 315 people, which included 303 pupils and 12 teachers. Some have returned home after being initially thought to be missing.
Has there been any communication with the abductors?
No, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has not received any communication or calls from the abductors since the incident occurred.
What actions has the government taken in response to the abduction?
The Niger State Government has ordered the closure of all schools and has deployed tactical units, ground troops, and local hunters to aid in locating the missing students and teachers.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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