The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that a total of 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted by the bandits who stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of the State early on Friday morning.
The Christian body’s confirmation came on the heels of an initial statement by the Catholic Archdiocese of Kontagora which indicated that the number of abducted students was not immediately known.
However, giving the exact figure on Friday night, CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said, “I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and Security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely,”
Rev Yohanna told reporters that some children managed to escape during the attack, and parents have been visiting the school to take their children home following government’s directive to shut down the institution immediately.
The CAN Chairman said, “It is worthy to note that during the terrorists attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming for pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.
“I want to call for on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and I also want to assure you that we are actively collaborating with security Operatives, community leaders and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”
With the bandits’ attack sending shock waves of terror and anxiety across the country as well as triggering worrying responses from different quarters, the Federal Ministry of Education has also announced the immediate closure of 41 Unity Colleges across the country.
Similarly, the governments of Plateau and Katsina States have also ordered the immediate shut down schools in their domains.
Declare State Of Emergency On Insecurity Now – Atiku Urges Tinubu
With Nigerians battling to contain the disturbing news of the Kebbi and Niger abductions of school children, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to declare State of Emergency on security situation in Nigeria.
Atiku’s demand came on Friday in a statement posted on his Facebook page as a reaction to the abduction of students in Niger State.
He wondered why the Tinubu-led Federal Government is yet to take a decisive action on the deteriorating security situation in the country.
