Niger Parents in Agony as 253 Students, Teachers Remain in Bandits’ Captivity
“Over 200 parents in Niger State are in agony as 253 students and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School remain in bandits’ captivity. Families accuse the government of inaction as nationwide anger grows over rising school abductions in Nigeria.”
More than 200 parents of abducted students and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have expressed mounting frustration and anguish as they await news about their loved ones, eight days after the mass kidnapping.
Armed bandits stormed the school on November 21, abducting 315 people, comprising 303 students and 12 staff members. Two days later, on November 23, at least 50 students escaped, reducing the number of people still in captivity to 253.
On Saturday, distressed parents gathered at the school premises to register their names, following a directive from the Niger State Government. Many wept openly while carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Girls,” “Our Girls and Teachers Are Still in Captivity,” “We Need Security in Agwarra,” and “Is Education a Crime?”
Parents also lamented that, since the incident, no representative of the state government had visited to console the affected families.
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, revealed that the tragedy had already led to the death of two parents, who reportedly suffered fatal shock and trauma.
“I am devastated. In fact, I am very disturbed that the children, up till now, are not back yet,” said the school’s headmistress, Sister Blessing Amodu, who broke down in tears.
“All I am pleading for at this moment is for the government and everyone concerned to please help us find ways to rescue these children and staff,” she added.
A parent, Mr Dimas Joseph Mauhuta, whose son, Julius Dimas (JSS 2), is still in captivity, condemned the government’s alleged denial that the children were abducted.
“We wonder why the state government would say such a thing. The truth is that my child and others were abducted. The government should stop the blame game and act,” he said.
Another parent, Mr Emmanuel Ejeh, who previously had two children graduate from the school, described the incident as unprecedented.
“We are appealing to the government to please help us bring back our children. They are innocent; they don’t deserve this,” he said.
The Diocesan Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. Stephen Okafor, said the registration process was mandated by the government to ensure proper documentation.
“With this registration and the number of parents who have turned up, we hope the negative speculations will end,” he noted.
Addressing the parents, Bishop Yohanna expressed hope that the abducted students and staff would soon regain their freedom.
“It is eight days now since their abduction. We have not heard anything yet, but we remain very hopeful and prayerful,” he said.
He also disclosed the immense challenge of gathering parents from over 50 communities, many of whom travelled for three to four hours by motorcycle to reach the school.
The school principal, Rev. Sister Felicia Gyam, dismissed reports that the school had received prior warnings of the attack.
“Whoever claims there was a prior warning should provide evidence. There was neither a circular nor a verbal notification,” she clarified.
The St Mary’s abduction adds to a disturbing pattern of mass kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, and other states, sparking nationwide and international outrage. Among the global voices calling for the immediate release of the hostages is Pope Leo XIV.
In response to the escalating insecurity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of security forces to search for the abductees, approved the recruitment of additional police personnel, declared a nationwide security emergency, and authorised the deployment of forest guards in vulnerable communities.
The attack underscores the growing threat posed by multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), intensifying criticism of the federal government’s handling of security across the country.
Security analysts warn that unless the root causes of Nigeria’s conflict are urgently addressed, the peace, unity, and future of the nation remain at risk.
