News
New twist as CAN confirms 227 students abducted Papiri school attack
The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that at least 227 pupils and staff were abducted during Friday’s attack on a Catholic-run school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
According to CAN, the victims include 215 children and 12 teachers, making it one of the biggest school kidnappings recorded in Nigeria in the last few years and the largest since the abduction of Islamic school pupils in Tegina.
Speaking late Friday after visiting the community, the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the situation as heartbreaking. He said he met parents gathered at the deserted school, many of whom were still overwhelmed by shock and fear.
“I have just returned from the village after visiting 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 ensure our children are rescued and brought back safely,” he said.
Yohanna confirmed that some pupils managed to escape during the attack and have since reunited with their families. He added that the school has now been shut down as parents continue to pick up their children.
He appealed for calm in the community and urged residents to remain prayerful while security personnel and government authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and staff.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful. 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,” he said.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Wike, Akpabio, Uzodimma: Unity at the podium, rival ambitions behind the Scenes? can Tinubu keep his associates together?
Real reason we removed universities from IPPIS, recruitment waiver – FG
Macron condemns looting, vandalism during cost-of-living protests in France
Lagos State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Oyo State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Osun State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Ondo State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Eight Nigerian Soldiers killed as ISWAP landmine hits Army patrol vehicle in Borno
Bauchi Health Agency boss, four children die in Road accident
‘Nigeria cannot become prosperous in four years’ — Tinubu’s Economic Adviser says
2027: Tinubu must be stopped, ‘even Buhari saw him as bad news’ — Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
APC sweeps all 21 chairmanship seats, 239 Councillorship positions in Kogi LG poll
‘₦29,000 Cannot sustain a retired officer’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on police pensions, proposes initiative
FG ends 17-year blackout in Gombe community with 1MW solar mini-grid
EPL: Leeds hold Man Utd to 1-1 draw as pressure mounts on Carrick
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
‘₦29,000 Cannot sustain a retired officer’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on police pensions, proposes initiative
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
Macky Sall quits race for UN Secretary-General position
COAS arrives Borno as Military moves to clear terrorist camps, rescue abductees
2027: NDC will never step down for Atiku, stop attacking us – Kwankwaso replies ADC Campaign Council
2027: ‘APM will beat Tinubu in 12 battleground states’ – Makinde’s campaign team
Ogun hospital under fire as Nurse dies of asthma attack amid alleged oxygen failure
Buhari backed Osinbajo’s presidential ambition four times, Akande tells Babachir Lawal
Messi’s double fires Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
Dr. Benjamins‑Laniyi urges media to amplify women’s leadership, adopt gender‑sensitive reporting
