Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed reports alleging that the kidnappers of 315 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra LGA, demanded ₦3 billion for their release.
Gatekeepers News reports that the clarification was issued on Saturday by Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the CAN chairman in the state and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
Yohanna stated that, contrary to circulating reports, the abductors had not reached out to anyone since the attack. He said, “You know social media. If you go there, they will mislead you. Even some of the things that [are] flying around… That’s why we usually make official statement. I am not aware. No contact yet.”
He confirmed that 315 people were taken during the invasion—303 students and 12 teachers—after a fresh headcount revealed that more children were abducted while attempting to flee.
The CAF chairman noted that parents who initially believed their children had escaped later returned with concerns, prompting another round of verification that uncovered 88 additional victims. He added that the school had a population of 629 pupils and students before the incident.
Yohanna also refuted claims that authorities had issued warnings ahead of the attack. He said he visited the community and met with parents to reassure them, only to encounter what he described as false claims about a government circular advising the school to close.
He said, “That is not true, we did not receive any circular, it must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame. In the past, around 2022, when we heard of rumours of a security challenge, we did not hesitate; we shut down immediately. Is it when there is a circular from the government asking us to shut down that we will now not obey?”
Amid growing security worries nationwide, the Federal Government has ordered the shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges. The Ministry of Education communicated the directive through a circular dated November 21, 2025, noting that the measure was approved by Minister Tunji
Alausa due to recent security challenges” macross several regions. Principals of the affected schools have been directed to enforce the closure immediately.
