The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that an additional 88 students are still missing following the deadly attack on St. Mary’s Secondary School, Papiri, located in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The fresh figures, released on Saturday, have deepened concerns over the scale of the abduction, which occurred when armed men stormed the mission school in the early hours of Thursday. Initial reports had suggested an unspecified number of students were taken, but ongoing headcounts and family verifications have revealed a much larger number of missing children.
In a statement, the Diocesan authorities described the situation as “heart-wrenching,” noting that frantic efforts were ongoing to locate the students and establish communication with the attackers. Clergy members, community leaders, and security agencies are said to be working around the clock to gather actionable intelligence.
“We are devastated by this tragic development. Our priority is the safe return of every child,” the statement read, urging the government to intensify rescue operations and provide adequate security across rural schools in the state.
Residents in Agwara described the night of the attack as chaotic, recalling how heavily armed bandits fired repeatedly as they herded students into the forest. Security reinforcements have since been deployed, though no group has claimed responsibility.
Parents, many of whom have camped at the school premises for days, have appealed for swift government intervention, insisting that the scale of the abduction demands urgent national attention.
The Niger State Government has yet to release an updated official figure but has assured that all resources are being mobilized to secure the students’ freedom.
