The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has dismissed claims that management of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State, ignored government warnings ahead of Friday’s mass abduction.
In a statement issued by Rev. Father Jatau Luka Joseph, Diocesan Secretary, the Church described the allegation as false and an attempt to shift blame.
The Niger State Government had earlier said the school reopened without approval despite an advisory ordering the closure of boarding schools in the area.
Rev. Joseph insisted the diocese never received any directive, circular, or warning from the authorities.
He said the school had implemented security measures, including hiring trained local security personnel and collaborating with security agencies.
“We did not receive any circular or warning from the government. The claim is an afterthought and a way to shift blame,” the statement said.
The diocese also debunked reports that the school principal, Rev. Sister Felicia Gyang Ola, was out of town during the attack.
“This incident took place while all the Rev. Sisters were present on the compound, contrary to misleading information that Sr. Felicia had travelled to Abuja,” the statement added.
Speaking separately, Rev. Sister Felicia reaffirmed that the school received no notice from the Ministry of Education or any government agency.
“We didn’t receive an official communication from the state government to that effect. Nobody reached out to the school prior to the attack,” she said.
The diocese said the attack occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the compound, moving through dormitories and staff quarters for nearly three hours.
According to Rev. Joseph, 315 people remain unaccounted for 303 pupils and 12 teachers based on initial headcounts and testimonies from survivors.
He said witnesses reported that the gunmen operated “aggressively and without interruption,” before transporting the victims away in multiple vehicles.
St. Mary’s is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and is managed by the Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Sisters.
“The incident has left the entire community traumatized and devastated. In May 2021, when we heard rumours of security threats, we did not hesitate to act; we closed the school for about five months. This decision was made solely by the school management; it was not suggested by anyone.
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“When we later resumed, we went further by employing special local security operatives from Kwara State to safeguard our pupils, students, and staff, because we deeply value their lives and future. This, too, was entirely our own initiative. When the school management later chose to work closely with the security agencies for updates and advice, that was also our independent decision.”
“The information circulating that we failed to adhere to warnings to shut down boarding facilities, or that we ignored any prior notice before the incident, is not accurate, as we are known for complying with orders and directives,” he maintained.
The diocese appealed for calm and urged the public to offer prayerful support for the safe return of the abducted students and staff.
It also called on the media to exercise restraint, verify information before publication, and avoid amplifying unconfirmed claims.
The Diocesan Secretary added that the Church is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations and will release further updates as credible information emerges.