A total of 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted by the bandits who stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in the wee hours of Friday.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed this hours after the attack.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kontagora had earlier said the number of abducted students was unkown.
But on Friday night, CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, gave the exact figure.
“I have just got back to the village this night after I visited 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 see that our children are rescued and brought back safely,” Yohanna told reporters.
He added that some children managed to escape during the attack, and parents have been returning to take their children home as the school has been closed
“It is worthy to note that during the terrorists attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming for pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.”
“I want to call for on everyone to remain calm and prayerful, and 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.”
The attack has sent a wave of shock across the country and triggered responses.
The Federal Ministry of Education has shut down a total of 41 Unity Colleges in the country.
The governments of Plateau and Katsina have also ordered the immediate closure of schools.
The Presidency, which said it was on top of the situation to rescue students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi, has not issued any statement on the Niger incident.
Reacting to the kidnap cases in Kwara and Kebbi, President Bola Tinubu had suspended his trips to Summits in South Africa and Angola, and also ordered Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi.
Nigerians were awaiting implementation of the directive when the news on Niger abduction broke.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has since asked the Federal Government to declare State of Emergency on insecurity.
