KONTAGORA SCHOOL ABDUCTION: DIOCESE RELEASES FULL LIST OF 265 STUDENTS, TEACHERS STILL IN CAPTIVITY AS SECURITY OPERATIONS INTENSIFY

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Niger State, has released the full list of 265 students and teachers of St. Mary’s School, Papiri, who remain in captivity following the devastating abduction that shook the state last week.

The attack, which occurred on 21 November, saw armed men storm the mission school and whisk away 315 individuals, 303 students and 12 teachers in one of the largest school kidnappings recorded in the region in recent years.

In a turn of events that brought a glimmer of relief to traumatised families, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed on Sunday that 50 of the abducted students had escaped from their captors.

However, the ordeal remains far from over. On Monday, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora released a detailed breakdown of those still missing: 239 pupils from the nursery and primary sections, 14 students from the secondary section, and 12 teachers, bringing the total number of individuals still held by the abductors to 265.

Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, assured the public that security agencies are working tirelessly across multiple fronts to secure the safe return of those still in captivity. He reiterated that coordinated operations involving tactical teams, intelligence units, and local vigilance groups are underway.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has urged Nigerians to continue praying fervently for the safe release of all the abducted students and teachers, stressing the immense emotional and psychological trauma faced by families awaiting the return of their loved ones.

The mass abduction has once again reignited national concern over the vulnerability of schools in remote communities, even as rescue efforts continue across the aff ected areas.