CAN denies ₦3bn ransom demand in Niger school abductions

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has dismissed reports that kidnappers of the 315 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, demanded ₦3 billion for their release.

The state CAN Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, clarified on Saturday that the abductors have not contacted anyone since the incident occurred.

“You know social media—many things flying around are misleading.

“That is why we issue official statements. I’m not aware of any ransom demand.

“There has been no contact yet,” he said.

Yohanna confirmed that a total of 315 people were abducted: 303 students and 12 teachers.

He explained that the initial figures increased after verification revealed that 88 students previously thought to have escaped were also captured.

He noted that the school had 629 students before the attack—430 in primary and 199 in secondary classes.

The bishop also dismissed claims that the school received prior warnings from the government or security agencies, calling such reports “propaganda.”

“We did not receive any circular. In 2022, when we heard rumours of insecurity, we shut down immediately.

“Is it now, if a circular truly existed, that we would refuse to obey?” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide due to rising insecurity.

The directive, issued on November 21, 2025, followed recent attacks and was approved by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

Principals of the affected schools have been instructed to shut down operations without delay.