265 Pupils, Teachers Still Missing in Niger

More than a week after gunmen abducted pupils and staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, 265 schoolchildren and teachers remain missing, according to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora, Bulus Yohanna.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Friday, Bishop Yohanna said the updated figures include 253 children and 12 teachers, after 50 previously unaccounted-for students and staff returned home on their own.

He explained that an initial headcount showed 315 persons missing, but as families confirmed reunions, the number dropped to 265.

The full list of those still held has been submitted to Governor Umar Bago.

Yohanna, who also chairs the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, denied claims that the school received prior intelligence about the attack.

He appealed for the urgent deployment of security personnel to protect schools across Niger State.

The abduction has deeply traumatised affected families, with the bishop revealing that two parents have died from shock since the incident.

More than 300 students were taken from the school, including nursery-age pupils, marking yet another resurgence of mass kidnappings that have plagued Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions.

The same week, 25 schoolgirls were abducted from another school, while 38 worshippers were taken from a church in Kebbi and Kwara States.

President Bola Tinubu ordered a nationwide manhunt and declared school security an emergency priority.

Critics, however, continue to accuse the government of failing to curb escalating attacks.

Nigeria has a long record of mass abductions driven by criminal gangs seeking ransom. While some victims escape or are rescued within weeks, others remain in captivity for years.

The country is still grappling with the aftermath of the 2014 Chibok abductions, with about 90 girls still missing.

The latest incident underscores the persistent security crisis across rural communities and the mounting pressure on authorities to improve protection for schools and vulnerable groups.