Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Diocese of Kontagora has denied claims by the Niger State government that St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri reopened without permission or failed to heed security warnings prior to a recent attack.
Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna stated, “No warning was ever sent to the school or local education authorities. If there was, show who received it and how it was delivered.” Following the attack, Bishop Yohanna visited Papiri to reassure parents and confirmed that a similar threat in 2022 had led to the immediate closure of the school.
The state government described the incident as “regrettable and avoidable” and said investigations by security agencies are ongoing.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that a total of 315 people were kidnapped during the attack, including 303 students and 12 staff members (8 men and 4 women). The school has a total population of 629 students, with an additional 88 reportedly captured while attempting to escape.
The attack highlights the escalating security crisis in Niger State, particularly in the northern communities under Zone C, where residents are calling on authorities to take urgent action to protect lives and ensure the safety of schools.
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