The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed the release of pupils and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri community, Niger State. The victims were taken on November 21, 2025, when gunmen stormed the Catholic boarding school owned by the Diocese of Kontagora and managed by the OLA Sisters.
Officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser earlier disclosed that the final batch of 130 victims had been released, bringing the total number of rescued pupils to 230. The officials confirmed the development to ARISE News Channel on Sunday, contradicting an earlier claim that 165 pupils and staff were still in captivity.
Providing an update through Daniel Atori, media aide to the Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman in Niger State, the Bishop said Governor Umaru Bago confirmed the release. “However, the figure was not mentioned as they are expected in Minna tomorrow (Monday) and to be received by the Governor in government house,” the statement said.