The Proprietor and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has disclosed that four children belonging to one of the diocese’s catechists are among the 265 students who remain missing more than a week after their abduction by armed bandits.
The Bishop, who also serves as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, made the revelation during his homily at the First Sunday of Advent Mass held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral in Kontagora.
Although he withheld the catechist’s name “for obvious reasons,” Bishop Yohanna emphasized that the church and the wider community are now relying on divine intervention for the safe return of all abducted pupils, students, and teachers.
“What happened to us is tragic and unexpected,” he said. “Those responsible for our security have begun to act, and we trust that God will intervene soon. One of our catechists has four children among the abducted. The truth must be acknowledged. For over a week now, 265 children and teachers remain unaccounted for. We need them back, and we believe the authorities are doing their best. Everyone is traumatized, but we must continue to pray. I believe our government is ready and capable of securing their safe return.”
Several worshippers also appealed to the state governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take more decisive and urgent action. Tina Okeke, who serves as Provincial President of the Catholic Women Organisation, urged Nigerians of all backgrounds to unite in prayer.
“Is it a crime to send our children to school?” she asked. “Mothers everywhere should pray with us. We believe these innocent children will come home safely.”
Another parishioner, Mrs. Elizabeth Otti, described the atmosphere in Papiri, Agwara and Kontagora as tense. “People go out in fear, worship in fear, and even visit the market in fear,” she said. Emmanuel Anyanwu of the Catholic Men Organisation added that the entire community is “worried and devastated,” but remains hopeful that divine intervention—similar to previous rescues in Kebbi and Kwara—will prevail.
On Saturday, some parents attempted to stage a protest in Papiri but were reportedly stopped by unidentified individuals.
Amid conflicting reports about the total number of abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Church School, the Niger State Police Command announced the opening of a register in Papiri to document the names of missing children. According to residents, parents were invited for documentation, but the gathering was allegedly dispersed by persons “acting on instructions from above.”
The Police Command has denied any involvement. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the police initiated the documentation process and would not obstruct it.
“We invited parents to provide information on children who are still missing, including those who may have returned,” he stated. “We cannot give an exact figure yet because documentation is ongoing.” He did not disclose how many names had been recorded so far.