November 24, (THEWILL) — The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Niger State, has made public the names of 265 students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, who remain in captivity following a mass abduction by armed bandits.
The list, released on Monday, contains the names of teachers, non-academic staff, and pupils across nursery, primary, and secondary classes who had not yet regained their freedom as of November 24, 2025.
According to the Diocese, a total of 315 persons were kidnapped during the attack. However, 50 students managed to escape from their captors in the days following the incident and have since reunited with their families.
The remaining 265 victims still unaccounted for include 12 staff members—comprising teachers and non-academic workers—14 secondary school students, and a staggering 239 nursery and primary school pupils. The Diocese noted that most of the captives are minors, making the situation particularly distressing.
The Diocese described the situation as “deeply distressing”, stressing that the large number of minors still held in the forest underscores the gravity of insecurity affecting rural communities.
It explained that publishing the names was necessary to maintain transparency and ensure families receive accurate information amid heightened anxiety. They added that the list also helps counter misinformation as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack.
Security agencies are reportedly sustaining search and rescue operations across the region, although no major breakthrough has been announced. The Diocese expressed hope that coordinated efforts between local authorities, security operatives and community vigilantes will help safely return all the victims home.
Parents and relatives of the abducted students remain in anguish as they await news of their loved ones, while appeals for government intervention and public prayers intensify.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
