Minna, Niger State — The Catholic Church has confirmed that four children belonging to a catechist in the Kontagora Diocese are among the 265 pupils, students, and teachers still missing more than a week after they were abducted by bandits in Niger State.
The disclosure was made by the Proprietor and Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, during his homily at the First Sunday of Advent Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.
The Bishop, who withheld the identity of the catechist “for obvious reasons,” described the abduction as tragic and unexpected, adding that the community is relying on both divine intervention and the efforts of security agencies.
“One of our catechists has four children among those abducted. We cannot hide from the reality; the truth must be told. For over a week now, 265 children and teachers remain unaccounted for,”
Bishop Yohanna said.
“Everyone is traumatized, but let us continue to pray. I believe our government is ready and capable of ensuring their safe return.”
Community living in fear
Worshippers who spoke after the Mass appealed to Governor Mohammed Bago and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take stronger, decisive action.
- Tina Okeke, Provincial President of the Catholic Women Organisation, said the crisis demands prayers from all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion. “Is it an offence to send our children to school? Mothers everywhere should pray with us.”
- Mrs. Elizabeth Otti said fear now dominates life in Papiri, Agwara and Kontagora: “People go out in fear, worship in fear and even visit the market in fear.”
- Emmanuel Anyanwu of the Catholic Men Organisation said the community is “worried and devastated” but hopeful for divine intervention similar to recent rescues in Kebbi and Kwara.
Parents had attempted a peaceful protest in Papiri on Saturday but were reportedly stopped by unidentified persons.
Confusion over exact number of abducted students
With conflicting figures circulating, the Niger State Police Command announced that it has opened a register in Papiri for parents to document the names of missing children.
However, residents reported that although the school invited parents for documentation, unidentified individuals allegedly acting “from above” dispersed them before the exercise began.
The police denied involvement.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the police initiated the documentation and would not obstruct it.
“We invited the parents to provide information about children still missing, including those who have returned. We cannot state the exact number yet because documentation is ongoing.”
He did not reveal how many names had been recorded.
