Relief has come to families and the community in Niger State as the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the safe release of the second group of staff and students from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri.
The abduction, which took place on November 21, 2025, saw over 300 pupils and teachers taken from the boarding school, causing widespread alarm. On December 20, reports confirmed that the remaining captives had been freed following the combined efforts of security agencies and government authorities.
In a statement from the Diocese’s Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Church expressed heartfelt gratitude to parents, guardians, media organizations, and the wider public for their prayers, solidarity, and understanding during the ordeal. He also commended the responsible reporting by journalists, which helped keep the community informed.
The Diocese acknowledged the significant contributions of government authorities and partners in facilitating the release. “We are profoundly grateful to the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, security agencies, and all other partners whose interventions contributed to the safe return of the victims,” the statement said.
Support from parents, religious organizations, humanitarian groups, and the broader community was also recognized. The Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate updates through official channels to ensure transparency.
Reiterating its dedication to student and staff safety, the Diocese said it will continue collaborating with authorities to maintain a secure learning environment. The statement concluded with a prayer for anyone still in captivity: “May the Lord swiftly bring freedom to those remaining and continue to safeguard all His people from harm.”
