The management of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, has said uncertainty still surrounds the exact number of students and staff abducted from the school, despite official claims that all victims have been rescued.
Daniel Atori, media aide to the school’s proprietor, explained that the school is still verifying records with parents and guardians and will not declare the rescue operation complete until everyone released is physically received and properly accounted for.
This comes after Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, on Monday received another batch of students and staff abducted during the November 21 attack on the school in Agwara Local Government Area. The victims were handed over by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Earlier, the Federal Government announced that 130 additional abducted pupils had been freed, stating that none remained in captivity. According to official figures, all 303 students and 12 teachers involved in the incident had been accounted for.
However, speaking on television, Atori urged caution. He explained that immediately after the attack, about 50 students escaped on their own, leaving the school with an estimated 265 missing. He said 100 were rescued and reunited with their families earlier this month, leaving 165 unaccounted for at the time.
While welcoming the government’s announcement, Atori said the school had not yet physically received the latest group of released victims.
“We are taking the government by its word, but until the children and teachers are brought to us and verified with their parents, we cannot say the process is complete,” he said.
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He noted that the remote location of the affected communities and the long distances parents must travel have made verification difficult, contributing to conflicting figures released at different times.
Atori added that the school would only confirm final numbers after returning to Papiri and conducting thorough checks with parents to ensure no child or staff member is left unaccounted for.
Despite the confusion, he expressed hope and gratitude over the safe return of the victims, describing it as a welcome relief for families and the school community, especially during the festive period.
