The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed the safe release and reunification of all pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement dated December 25, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Diocese said a total of 230 persons were verified to have been abducted and later freed. Those released include 12 staff members, 14 students, and 204 pupils.
According to the Diocese, all rescued individuals have now been reunited with their families, with no one remaining unaccounted for. Their freedom was secured through the combined efforts of the Nigerian Government and security agencies.
The Bishop explained that immediately after the attack on Friday, November 21, 2025, an initial assessment suggested that 315 persons were missing. By November 23, however, it was established that 50 individuals had either escaped or returned home on their own, reducing the figure to 265.
Further joint verification exercises involving the Niger State Government, security agencies, school authorities, and the Parents-Teachers Association later showed that an additional 35 persons had not been abducted or had escaped earlier. This brought the confirmed number of abducted persons to 230.
The Diocese attributed the earlier discrepancies to the confusion surrounding the attack, noting that some pupils fled into nearby bushes while others could not be immediately accounted for due to the absence of parents during initial checks.
Bishop Yohanna stressed that there was no intention to mislead the public, describing the situation as fluid and emotionally charged at the time.
The Diocese expressed gratitude to the Federal and Niger State Governments, security agencies, parents, faith communities, the media, and the general public for their support, prayers, and cooperation. It concluded by committing the affected families to God for healing, restoration, and lasting peace.
