Nigeria: Niger Kidnappings: Church confirms four children of catechist among 265 missing
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora says four children of one of its catechists are among the 265 pupils, students and teachers still missing more than a week after bandits raided St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also chairs the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, made the disclosure during his homily at the First Sunday of Advent Mass at St Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, on Sunday. He asked that the catechist’s name be withheld “for obvious reasons.”
In his remarks, Bishop Yohanna said the community is relying on divine intervention and the efforts of security agencies for the safe return of the abducted. “What happened to us is tragic and unexpected, but those responsible for securing us have begun to act, and we believe God will intervene soon,” he said. He added that the catechist’s four children are among the missing and that 265 children and teachers remain unaccounted for.
He appealed to the state governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take stronger, decisive action. “We need them back, and I believe those responsible for our security are doing their job. Everyone is traumatized, but let us continue to pray. I believe our government is ready and capable of ensuring their safe return,” the bishop said.
Some worshippers echoed the call for prayers and government action. Tina Okeke, Provincial President of Catholic Women, asked, “Is it an offence to send our children to school? Mothers everywhere should pray with us. We believe these innocent children will return home safely.”
Mrs Elizabeth Otti described the fear gripping Papiri, Agwara and Kontagora: “People go out in fear, worship in fear and even visit the market in fear.” Emmanuel Anyanwu of the Catholic Men Organisation said the community is “worried and devastated” but hopeful that God will intervene as He did in Kebbi and Kwara.
Parents attempted a protest in Papiri on Saturday but were reportedly stopped by unidentified persons. The Niger State Police Command opened a register in Papiri for parents to document missing children, but residents said unknown individuals dispersed them before the exercise could begin. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun denied any involvement, saying the police initiated the documentation and would not obstruct it.
The diocese’s update comes amid conflicting figures about the number of abducted students and staff. The police have said documentation is ongoing and could not give an exact number yet.
