The Bishop of the Catholic Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that the number of individuals abducted by suspected terrorists from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 303 students and 12 teachers, bringing the total to 315 victims.

Bishop Yohanna, who also serves as the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said the update follows a final verification and census exercise.

“After leaving the school, we conducted calls, verification exercises, and further inquiries regarding students previously believed to have escaped. We discovered that 88 additional students were captured while trying to flee,” he said.

The Bishop also addressed claims that the school had ignored government warnings, stressing that neither the school nor the Catholic Diocese received any circular instructing the boarding facilities to shut down.

“This claim appears to be propaganda aimed at shifting blame. In 2022, when we heard of security concerns, we acted promptly. We are law-abiding and follow directives seriously. No circular was sent to the school,” he clarified.

Bishop Yohanna urged authorities to provide evidence if they insist a circular was issued. He also emphasized that the school is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not by any individual, and refuted claims that Reverend Sisters traveled to Abuja regarding the matter.

He reassured parents and the public that the Diocese and the school are actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the safe return of all abducted pupils and staff.