On November 21, 2025, gunmen abducted 315 individuals from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. The victims included 303 students and 12 teachers, all of whom were taken by armed men during the school attack.
However, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has now released the official list of 265 names of the abducted persons, with 50 students having managed to escape between Friday and Saturday. According to reports from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), these students were reunited with their families shortly after escaping.
This article provides the complete list of the abducted students, teachers, and non-academic staff as officially released by the Diocese.
Details of the Abduction Incident
On November 21, 2025, armed gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, abducting a large number of students and teachers. Initially, it was reported that 315 individuals were taken, but the official list from the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora revealed that 265 people were held captive. The Diocese released the names to assist authorities, families, and humanitarian organizations involved in the rescue efforts.
Full Breakdown of the Abducted Individuals
The official list released by the Catholic Diocese categorizes the abducted persons into teachers, secondary school students, and primary school pupils.
Primary School Pupils (Nursery and Primary 1-5)
- Natherniel Andrew – Nursery 1
- Shalom Terry – Nursery 1
- Ajikovi Andrew – Nursery 1
- Zacharia Sabastine – Nursery 1
- John Lois – Nursery 1
- Yohanna Veronica – Nursery 1
- Emmanuel Ibrahim – Nursery 1
- Ayuba Linus – Nursery 2
- Bulus Christopher – Nursery 2
- Ibrahim Micah – Nursery 2
- Joshua Dogara – Nursery 2
- Marcus Stephen – Nursery 2
- Samuel Peter – Nursery 2
- Simon Wisdom – Nursery 2
- Yahaya Vincent – Nursery 2
- Yakubu Yahaya – Nursery 2
- Yohanna Micah – Nursery 2
- Ibrahim Agnes – Nursery 2
- Musa Celestina – Nursery 2
- Timothy Rejoice – Nursery 2
- Serah James – Nursery 2
- Tanko Bitrus – Nursery 2
- Christopher Yunusa – Nursery 2
- Julius Dimas – Nursery 2
- Godwin Sunday – Nursery 2
- Joseph Samuel – Nursery 2
- Silas Timothy – Nursery 2
- Habila Bulus – Nursery 2
- Anthony Godwin – Nursery 2
- Alheri Sunday – Nursery 2
- Lovina Samuel – Nursery 2
- Naomi Zacharia – Nursery 2
- Goodness Elisha – Nursery 2
- Habiba Sunday – Nursery 2
- Redeemer Iliya – Nursery 2
- Joy Ibrahim – Nursery 2
- Rejoice Luka – Nursery 2
- Sarah Luka – Nursery 2
- Samson Luka – Nursery 2
- Amos Gabriel – Primary 1
- Ayuba Josiah – Primary 1
- Bitrus Linus – Primary 1
- Bulus Ayuba – Primary 1
- Hanna Daniel – Primary 1
- Ezekiel Shedrack – Primary 1
- Peter Julius – Primary 1
- Yakubu Joseph – Primary 1
- Philip Iliya – Primary 1
- Juliet Alex – Primary 1
- Patricia Ayuba – Primary 1
- Ishaya Libiya – Primary 1
- Simon Iliya – Primary 1
- Theresa Ibrahim – Primary 1
- Veronica Michael – Primary 1
- Patience Musa – Primary 1
- Victoria Sunday – Primary 1
- Gloria Yohanna – Primary 1
- Veronica Iliya – Primary 1
- Pius Yakubu – Primary 1
- Lois Samaila – Primary 1
- Nagode Augustine – Primary 1
- Abednego Ishaya – Primary 1
- Ayuba Blessed – Primary 1
- Emmanuel Cleopas – Primary 1
- Emmanuel Godwin – Primary 1
- Emmanuel Dauda – Primary 1
- Emmanuel Habila – Primary 1
- Jonathan Ishaku – Primary 1
- Michael Augustine – Primary 1
- Michael Sunday – Primary 1
- Mathew Nathaniel – Primary 1
- Samuel Philip – Primary 1
- Yohanna Ezra – Primary 1
- Yohanna Samson – Primary 1
- Yusuf Samson – Primary 1
- Yakubu Stephen – Primary 1
- Yakubu Caleb – Primary 1
- Yakubu Andrew – Primary 1
- Yakubu Pius – Primary 1
- Yohanna Caleb – Primary 1
- Habila Alheri – Primary 1
Secondary School Students
- Anthony Philip – Primary 2
- Ezekiel Yahaya – Primary 2
- Samaila Jonathan – Primary 2
- Yohanna Emmanuel – Primary 2
Teachers
The following are 12 teachers who were also abducted:
- Bitrus Yohanna – Teacher
- Cyril Bagudu – Teacher
- Mercy Yohanna – Teacher
- Justina Yakubu – Teacher
Non-Academic Staff
In addition to the students and teachers, several non-academic staff were also abducted:
- Agnes Joseph – Non-Academic Staff
- Anna Terry – Non-Academic Staff
- Terry Francis – Non-Academic Staff
Escape of 50 Students and Reuniting with Families
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 50 students escaped from captivity between Friday and Saturday. These students managed to free themselves and reunite with their families, bringing some relief to the affected communities.
Government and Religious Reactions
The Nigerian government and CAN have both condemned the abduction of the students, teachers, and non-academic staff. CAN called the abduction “distressing and unacceptable,” urging immediate government action to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has also urged the government and security agencies to expedite efforts to free those still in captivity.
Security and Investigation Updates
As of the latest updates, Burkina Faso has detained 11 Nigerian soldiers after a military aircraft violated its airspace, further complicating West African relations amid increasing security concerns across the region. The government has not issued an official statement regarding the situation, but it is under investigation.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Call for Immediate Action
The release of the 265 abducted individuals from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools marks a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for security and peace in Nigeria. As efforts continue to free the remaining hostages, the country and the international community must stand united in their call for justice and safety for innocent students and teachers affected by this tragic event.
