The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has disclosed that about 227 including teachers and students were abducted following the attack by bandits on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State early on Friday.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, made this disclosure in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Dan Atori in Minna.

According to Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, the  victims include 215 pupils and students, and 12 teachers.

The school has since been shut down.

Recall that following the attack, the Niger State government condemned the attack but blamed the school authorities for not adhering to the warning issued earlier against reopening schools in the zone.

Security agencies have reportedly commenced investigations into the matter.

The State government has called on the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies.