Church Confirms Four Children of Catechist among Those Still Missing After Niger School Kidnap
More than a week after the abduction of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Kontagora Diocese has revealed that four children belonging to one of its catechists are among the 265 missing.
The disclosure was made by the diocese’s proprietor and bishop, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also leads the regional chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State. The revelation came during an Advent Sunday Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral in Kontagora. The bishop, however, declined to name the catechist “for obvious reasons.”
Describing the ordeal as “tragic and unexpected,” Bishop Yohanna appealed for prayers and urged government authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted students and staff. “What happened to us is tragic … we believe God will intervene soon,” he said. “We need them back.”
Worshippers and parents at the Mass joined the call, appealing to both state and federal governments, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take swift and decisive action. One mother and parishioner lamented the trauma of sending children to school under such constant threat, while residents of Papiri, Agwara and Kontagora described living in fear: reluctant to go to church, to the market, even to leave their homes.
The state police have opened a register in Papiri for the parents of missing children to document names. But attempts by some parents to protest the abduction were reportedly thwarted by unidentified individuals. The police denied involvement, saying the documentation process remains ongoing, and that they continue to investigate.
As the community awaits news, families remain distraught and hopeful, praying that the abducted children will be reunited with their loved ones soon.