∆bduction: St. Mary’s School counters Niger Govt’s claims of prior warning

Abduction: St. Mary’s School counters Niger Govt’s claims of prior warning

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has denied the claims of the Niger State government that St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri received a security alert before Friday’s abduction.

In a statement by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN. clarified the school’s position.

According to the diocese, it became necessary to address the issue of prior warnings from either the government or security agencies.

Bishop Yohanna stated that the school belonged to the Catholic Diocese and not to any individual, stressing that he was greeted with propaganda that the school was given a circular from the government.

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“That is not true. We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame.

“I have just returned to the village after visiting the school and meeting parents to assure them of ongoing rescue efforts. In 2022, when we heard of rumours of security challenges, we shut down immediately,” he said.

The bishop said there was no way the school would ignore a government directive, dismissing reports that some reverend sisters travelled to Abuja before the attack.

According to the cleric, the Education Secretary also confirmed that he received no circular and issued none, adding that the National Association of Private Schools also received no safety directive.

DAILY POST recalls that the Niger State government had earlier claimed that St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened without clearance and violated the safety directive, noting that the violation exposed pupils and staff to severe risk.