Over a week has passed since the harrowing abduction of hundreds of children and 12 teachers from St. Mary Private Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
New details are emerging about the attack, with Principal Felicia Gyang and Head Teacher Blessing Amodu recounting the terrifying moments.
They heard a helicopter overhead and vehicles, including motorcycles, transporting the children away — but no rescue came.
The attackers, who haven’t been identified, were overheard saying they targeted the children for ransom.
No group has claimed responsibility, and there’s been no communication demanding payment for the captives’ release.
The pain is palpable in Papiri, where parents and loved ones of the 239 children and 12 teachers have staged a protest, pleading for the government’s help in securing their safe return.
Over 215 parents have registered their missing children with authorities. The atmosphere is heavy with grief as families, some losing four or five children, struggle to cope.
Samson Najajah, 35, whose 15-year-old son was taken, knows the trauma firsthand — he was abducted in 2021.
Teacher Martha Mathias shared how her five-year-old daughter inadvertently saved her from capture, while her husband was taken.
Bishop Bulus Yohanna of Kontagora Diocese remains hopeful for the captives’ safe rescue, emphasizing the school’s impact on over 50 communities.