By Adewunmi Oluwaseun
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has dismissed claims that it ignored security warnings before the attack and mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State.
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Church said it was “deeply pained” by the incident but maintained that reports alleging negligence were false.
According to the Diocese, armed men invaded the school between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, breaching security points, injuring a guard, and abducting pupils, students, and teachers.
Survivors said the attackers operated freely for nearly three hours before escaping with the victims.
The Church also debunked rumours that the Principal, Sr. Felicia Gyang, OLA, was away when the attack happened, stressing that all the Rev. Sisters were on the compound.
Responding to claims that it ignored prior warnings, the Diocese recalled that in May 2021 it shut down the school for five months after hearing rumours of threats, an independent decision by its management.
It added that hiring additional security operatives and partnering with security agencies were also proactive measures taken on its own.
The Diocese said preliminary records show that 315 persons, 303 pupils and 12 teachers are still unaccounted for. Witnesses reported the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles and vans.
The Church said it is ready to provide humanitarian and spiritual support and is cooperating with authorities to secure the release of the abducted.
It urged the media to avoid spreading unverified reports and appealed for calm and prayers.
“We stand united in grief and remain committed to ensuring the safe return of every child and teacher,” the statement added.
