CAN, Kontagora Catholic Diocese demand rescue of abducted Niger students

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora have condemned the early-morning attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, where armed men kidnapped pupils, students, teachers, and a security guard.

The attackers reportedly invaded the school premises between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., with the security guard “badly shot” during the assault.

In a statement from the Catholic Bishop’s House in Kontagora, signed by Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Diocese described the attack as one that caused “fear and distress within the school community.”

The statement strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families.

The Diocese said security agencies were immediately alerted and had commenced coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the victims. It also assured that the Church is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities.

The statement urged the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and quick return of all abducted persons. It reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to protecting children and promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

The Diocese concluded with the prayer: “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all danger.”

In a separate statement, CAN, led by Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, also condemned the attack, confirming that the incident occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025.

The association described the assault as carried out by “suspected terrorists” and reported that pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel were abducted and injured.

CAN stated that it is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities, and called on the public to support ongoing rescue efforts and continue praying for the safe return of all abductees.

The statement reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the protection of children and said further updates would be provided once more verified information is available.

The statement ended with the prayer: “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”