The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Bulus Yohanna, has revealed that authorities have not yet established contact with the armed men who abducted hundreds of pupils and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

“So far, we have not had any contact with them. As I’m speaking now, we’ve not had any call regarding the abductors,” Bishop Yohanna told Channels Television on Friday, days after one of the largest mass kidnappings in Nigeria.

The attackers raided the school between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on November 21, shooting a security guard before herding pupils, students, and teachers into the bush. Initial reports indicated 215 pupils and 12 teachers were missing, but subsequent verification by security operatives, community leaders, and diocesan officials revised the total to 315, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.

The diocese confirmed that 50 pupils managed to escape and reunite with their families, leaving 265 still missing.

Bishop Yohanna recounted how the gunmen first targeted the convent where Catholic sisters reside.

“They were asking, ‘Where are the sisters living?’ The gateman said, ‘They work here, but they don’t live here.’ So they shot him and then forced the gate open,” he said.

He added that the attackers attempted to breach the barrier separating the convent from the school but failed, prompting them to storm the student hostels.

“They shot into the air, and everyone was scared. Many escaped into the bushes, but they went away with some of them,” Yohanna said.

The bishop also dismissed claims by the Niger State Government that the school had been forewarned of an impending attack and failed to comply with directives.

“We reinforced the security system, built a security fence, and relocated students writing final exams. Since then, we have not had anything—no verbal warning, no written warning—until this incident happened,” he said.

Authorities are working with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kontagora, and police are compiling details of the abducted individuals. Bishop Yohanna confirmed that the sisters had submitted statements to the police.

“Most of the information we have, I’ve forwarded to the DSS officer. Of course, they are traumatised and worried. We are praying and hoping that by the grace of God, their children will be released,” he said.

Reflecting on broader security concerns, Yohanna referenced the Safe Schools Initiative, launched after the 2014 Chibok abduction, describing it as largely ineffective.

As of Friday, schools across Niger State remain closed under government directive, while the 265 children and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School remain in captivity, with no communication from their abductors.