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A fresh wave of anxiety has swept through Niger State after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that more than two hundred students and staff were seized during a violent raid on two Catholic schools, triggering urgent calls for government action and community calm.
The abduction, which targeted St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, involved a staggering 227 people, an incident that has deepened fears over the rapidly deteriorating security environment in the North.
Details later released through a statement by CAN’s Niger State chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, revealed that the victims include 215 pupils and secondary school students, along with 12 teachers.
Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, confirmed that the association is already coordinating with authorities in pursuit of a safe rescue mission.
The attack occurred in Papiri, a community now reeling from shock after suspected terrorists stormed the schools early on Friday.
Security operatives have since launched a search operation across surrounding forests and neighbouring communities.
According to the bishop, a number of students managed to flee amid the chaos, and parents rushed to the school afterwards to pick up their children. The school has been shut indefinitely to prevent further threats.
“We are working hand in hand with security agencies and the government,” Yohanna said in the statement issued through his media aide, Dan Atori.
“Our only appeal is for Nigerians to remain calm and pray. Every measure is being deployed to bring our children and teachers back safely.”
Residents of Papiri and surrounding areas remain on edge, while pressure mounts on security formations to deliver swift results.
As the rescue operation intensifies, the incident has once again spotlighted the unrelenting threat of terrorism in parts of Nigeria and the urgent need for stronger safeguards around schools.
The unfolding situation continues to attract national attention, with many Nigerians demanding tougher security interventions and a sustained strategy to prevent further attacks.