Parent Urges Catholic School To Remain Open After Mass Abduction

A parent of one of the students abducted from a Catholic school in Agwara, Niger State, has pleaded with authorities not to close the institution despite the kidnapping of 315 people last month.

The appeal came as families continued to grapple with the aftermath of the attack and the uncertainty surrounding the remaining captives.

The call was shared by Bishop Bulus Yohanna, who leads the Kontagora Diocese and serves as the chairman of CAN in Niger State. He explained that some parents fear the school may be shut down because of the incident, but many believe closing it would worsen the disruption to their children’s education.

The bishop said one parent even begged visiting officials to keep the school running, insisting that students should return to class once it is safe. Community leaders, he added, are determined to support the school and restore normal learning activities.

Although the release of 100 pupils brought relief, Yohanna admitted that the joy was mixed with worry as 165 students remain in captivity. Families continue to hope for a breakthrough while coping with the trauma caused by the attack.

The abduction occurred on November 21 when gunmen stormed the school and took away hundreds, including teachers. A few pupils escaped after two days, but most are still held by their captors.

Yohanna urged the government to keep working until all victims are freed and to strengthen security around schools. He said safer learning environments are essential to prevent future tragedies and reassure parents who want their children to continue their education without fear.