Niger Kidnappings: Church confirms four children of Catechist among victims

The school’s signpost

The Proprietor and Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has revealed that four children of one of the diocese’s catechists are among the 265 students still missing more than a week after their abduction by bandits. The Bishop, who also chairs the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State, made the disclosure during his homily at the First Sunday of Advent Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, on Sunday. Although he withheld the catechist’s name “for obvious reasons,” Bishop Yohanna said what the church and community need most at this point is divine intervention for the safe return of the pupils, students and teachers abducted over a week ago.

He said, “What happened to us is tragic and unexpected, but those responsible for securing us have begun to act, and we believe God will intervene soon. One of our catechists has four children among those abducted. We cannot hide from the reality; the truth must be told. For over a week now, 265 children and teachers remain unaccounted for.

“We need them back, and I believe those responsible for our security are doing their job. Everyone is traumatized, but let us continue to pray. I believe our government is ready and capable of ensuring their safe return.”

Some worshippers also joined the appeal to the state governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take stronger, decisive action. One parent, Tina Okeke, who is also the Provincial President of Catholic Women, said the situation requires prayers from all, regardless of religion, tribe or denomination.

“Is it an offence to send our children to school? Mothers everywhere should pray with us. We believe these innocent children will return home safely,” she said.

Another worshipper, Mrs. Elizabeth Otti, said fear now grips residents in Papiri, Agwara and Kontagora. “People go out in fear, worship in fear and even visit the market in fear,” she said. Emmanuel Anyanwu, an executive of the Catholic Men Organisation, added that the community is “worried and devastated.”