The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 227 people, including 215 pupils and 12 teachers, were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, during a coordinated raid early Friday morning between 2am and 3am.

Daniel Atori, media aide to the state CAN chairman, clarified the numbers in a Friday evening update. Local officials, including Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia of Agwara Local Government, also confirmed the incident.

The Niger State government blamed the school for reopening despite prior intelligence warnings and a security directive that temporarily closed boarding schools in the region. Authorities warned that the school’s decision exposed pupils and staff to avoidable risk, while security agencies continue efforts to secure the abductees.