School denies receiving prior warning from Govt before gunmen attack, abduction
School denies receiving prior warning from Govt before gunmen attack, abduction
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has dismissed claims that management of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State, ignored government warnings ahead of Friday’s mass abduction.
In a statement issued by Rev. Father Jatau Luka Joseph, Diocesan Secretary, the Church described the allegation as false and an attempt to shift blame.
The Niger State Government had earlier said the school reopened without approval despite an advisory ordering the closure of boarding schools in the area.
Rev. Joseph insisted the diocese never received any directive, circular, or warning from the authorities.
He said the school had implemented security measures, including hiring trained local security personnel and collaborating with security agencies.
“We did not receive any circular or warning from the government. The claim is an afterthought and a way to shift blame,” the statement said.
The diocese also debunked reports that the school principal, Rev. Sister Felicia Gyang Ola, was out of town during the attack.
“This incident took place while all the Rev. Sisters were present on the compound, contrary to misleading information that Sr. Felicia had travelled to Abuja,” the statement added.
Speaking separately, Rev. Sister Felicia reaffirmed that the school received no notice from the Ministry of Education or any government agency.
“We didn’t receive an official communication from the state government to that effect. Nobody reached out to the school prior to the attack,” she said.
The diocese said the attack occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the compound, moving through dormitories and staff quarters for nearly three hours.
According to Rev. Joseph, 315 people remain unaccounted for 303 pupils and 12 teachers based on initial headcounts and testimonies from survivors.
He said witnesses reported that the gunmen operated “aggressively and without interruption,” before transporting the victims away in multiple vehicles.
St. Mary’s is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and is managed by the Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Sisters.
“The incident has left the entire community traumatized and devastated. In May 2021, when we heard rumours of security threats, we did not hesitate to act; we closed the school for about five months. This decision was made solely by the school management; it was not suggested by anyone.
“When we later resumed, we went further by employing special local security operatives from Kwara State to safeguard our pupils, students, and staff, because we deeply value their lives and future. This, too, was entirely our own initiative. When the school management later chose to work closely with the security agencies for updates and advice, that was also our independent decision.”
“The information circulating that we failed to adhere to warnings to shut down boarding facilities, or that we ignored any prior notice before the incident, is not accurate, as we are known for complying with orders and directives,” he maintained.
The diocese appealed for calm and urged the public to offer prayerful support for the safe return of the abducted students and staff.
It also called on the media to exercise restraint, verify information before publication, and avoid amplifying unconfirmed claims.
The Diocesan Secretary added that the Church is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations and will release further updates as credible information emerges.
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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.
The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.
“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.
FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.
The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.
“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.
The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.
Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.
“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.
He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)
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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”
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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.
The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.
Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
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