The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that four children belonging to one of its catechists are among the 265 schoolchildren still missing more than a week after armed bandits abducted them in Niger State.
The disclosure was made by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, during his homily at the First Sunday of Advent Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora. Bishop Yohanna, who also chairs the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, declined to reveal the catechist’s identity for security reasons, but said the church is devastated by the tragedy.
He described the abduction as “tragic and unexpected,” noting that although security agencies have begun responding, the community is gripped by trauma and uncertainty. “One of our catechists has four children among those abducted. For over a week now, 265 children and teachers remain unaccounted for. We need them back,” he told the congregation. He expressed confidence that government authorities would ensure their safe return.
Worshippers also used the service to appeal to both the state governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent intervention. Tina Okeke, Provincial President of the Catholic Women Organisation, called for nationwide prayers, saying mothers across faiths must unite to support the affected families. “Is it an offence to send our children to school?” she asked.
Another worshipper, Mrs. Elizabeth Otti, said fear now dominates daily life in Papiri, Agwara, and Kontagora. “People go out in fear, worship in fear, even go to the market in fear,” she said. Emmanuel Anyanwu of the Catholic Men Organisation added that the community is “worried and devastated,” but hopeful that God, who aided recent rescues in Kebbi and Kwara, will intervene.
Tension escalated on Saturday when some parents attempted to protest in Papiri but were reportedly stopped by unidentified individuals. With conflicting figures circulating about the number of missing children, the Niger State Police Command announced that it has opened a register in Papiri for parents to document the names of missing or returned pupils.
Residents, however, alleged that earlier attempts by the school to conduct documentation were halted by persons claiming to act “from above.” Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun denied that officers dispersed parents, insisting that the ongoing documentation was initiated by the command. He said the exact number of missing children remains unclear until the registration is completed.
