The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora in Niger State has taken the solemn step of publishing the identities of 265 individuals who remain missing after a devastating attack on St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri.
Mass Abduction at St. Mary's Catholic School
Bandits stormed the educational institution on November 21, 2025, seizing 315 people in one of the most significant school abductions in recent Nigerian history. The victims included 303 students and 12 teachers from the combined nursery, primary, and secondary school facilities.
The coordinated attack occurred in the Agwara Local Government Area, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing educational institutions in northern Nigeria. The assailants overwhelmed security measures at the school compound during the school day, taking advantage of the concentrated population.
Fifty Students Manage Daring Escape
In a development that brought some relief to the grim situation, 50 students successfully escaped their captors over the following days. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, together with the Diocese and Local Government Council, confirmed this positive development on Sunday, November 23.
The escaped students managed to break free under circumstances that authorities have not fully disclosed for security reasons. Their safe return provided crucial intelligence about the captors' methods and the condition of the remaining hostages.
Complete List of Those Still Missing
By Monday, November 24, the diocese provided a detailed breakdown of those still in captivity. 239 nursery and primary pupils, 14 secondary school students, and 12 teachers comprise the 265 individuals whose freedom remains uncertain.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has taken the unprecedented step of releasing the complete list of names, allowing families and communities to maintain accurate records and putting human faces to the staggering statistics. This transparency also serves to maintain pressure on authorities and keep national attention focused on the crisis.
The published list serves as both a practical record and a powerful memorial, ensuring that each missing individual is recognized as more than just a number in Nigeria's ongoing struggle with educational insecurity.
