Kontagora Diocese Reveals Full List Of Students And Staff Kidnapped In Niger School

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that 265 individuals—including 239 nursery and primary pupils, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members—remain in captivity following last week’s mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Monday, the diocese published the names of those still being held by the kidnappers, days after the attack in which over 300 pupils, students, and staff were seized.

This confirmation comes despite reports on Sunday that 50 abducted pupils had escaped and were reunited with their families, a development verified by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). CAN’s Media Aide in Niger State, Daniel Atori, confirmed the escape in a statement on Sunday.

According to the diocese, the following teachers remain in captivity:

• Bitrus Yohanna

• Cyril Bagudu

• Mercy Yohanna

• Justina Yakubu

• Yohanna Daniel Dogonyaro

• Agnes Joseph

The missing non-academic staff include:

• Anna Terry

• Terry Francis

• Emmanuel Ibrahim

• Lydia Andrew

• Godwin James

• Hannatu Bulus

The secondary school students still held are:

• Amos Kiloybas (JSS 1)

• Onah Benedict (JSS 1)

• Bulus Ezra (JSS 1)

• Anthony Linus (JSS 2)

• Dauda Zacharia (JSS 2)

• Bulus Gustave (JSS 2)

• Ejeh Mathew (JSS 3)

• Iliya John (JSS 3)

• Joshua Philip (JSS 3)

• Samaila Habila (JSS 3)

• Simon Christopher (SS 1)

• Yohanna Cephas (SS 2)

• Christopher Justice (SS 3)

• Samuel Michael (SS 3)

The nursery and primary pupils whose whereabouts remain unknown include: Natherniel Andrew, Shalom Terry, Ajikovi Andrew, Zacharia Sabastine, John Lois, Yohanna Veronica, Emmanuel Ibrahim, Ayuba Linus, Bulus Christopher, Ibrahim Micah, Joshua Dogara, Marcus Stephen, Samuel Peter, and Simon Wisdom.

Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, stated that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted pupils and staff. He assured that the police are coordinating with the military and other security partners to track the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora appealed for the safe return of all abducted students, pupils, and staff, urging Nigerians to continue praying for their freedom.