Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has confirmed the abduction of 315 pupils from a Catholic school in the state, reversing his earlier denial of the incident.
The governor made the admission on Friday during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners, elected local government chairmen and their deputies, where he observed a minute of silence in honour of two parents who reportedly died after receiving news of the abduction.
“Three weeks ago, we woke up to the terrifying news of the abduction of our children and teachers,” Bago said. “Sadly, two parents could not bear the shock and passed away.”
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when armed assailants attacked St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attackers reportedly took away 315 pupils, students and a teacher into the surrounding forest.
Following the incident, 50 pupils escaped after two days in captivity, while 100 others were rescued by federal authorities and security agencies nearly two weeks later.
According to the governor, 115 abducted pupils and a teacher are still being held.
Bago prayed for the safe return of those still in captivity and assured residents of Papiri community of greater inclusion in governance.
“We thank God that 100 of our children have been rescued, and we are hopeful that the remaining will soon be reunited with their families,” he said.
“In this administration, we will ensure that people from Papiri are appointed into government so they are fully carried along.”
The governor also appealed for unity and calm in the state, describing the incident as a painful moment for Niger residents.
“Oh God, we beseech you to rescue Niger State, rescue our children and restore lasting peace,” Bago said. “Those who have chosen the wrong path, may God redirect them.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, had disclosed that a parent died of a heart attack following the abduction of three of his children from the school.
Governor Bago had previously dismissed reports of the abduction, stating in an earlier television interview that the attackers only fired shots to scare the pupils and did not take anyone away.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Usman Abubakar, urged the newly sworn-in officials to prioritise security, education and healthcare delivery.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented by Justice Amina of Court 6, Minna.
President Bola Tinubu has also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted pupils and their teacher, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring their safe return.
