Paul Samasumo – Vatican City.
Following the recent release of 130 remaining individuals who were still in captivity by bandits, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of Kontagora Diocese has confirmed that, after two rigorous verification exercises, all 315 students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools have now been accounted for and reunited with their families.
“Out of the initial three hundred and fifteen (315) persons reported as unaccounted for, a total of eighty-five (85) were confirmed to have either escaped or not been abducted. Accordingly, the verified total number of persons actually abducted stands at two hundred and thirty (230),” Bishop Yohanna stated in a formal release.
Transparency and Public Confidence
According to Bishop Yohanna, the Statement from the Diocese of Kontagora, issued on Christmas Day, was meant to provide clarity and confirm verified facts in the interest of transparency and public confidence.
Two thorough verification exercises were conducted by the State Government, security agencies, school authorities, and the Parent Teachers Association (PTA).
The religious Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles are the managing agency of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools – Papiri in Niger State. The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, which is part of the Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province.
Bishop Yohanna expressed gratitude to Nigerian authorities for their efforts in securing the release of the 230 captives.
“We confirm that a total of two hundred and thirty (230) children and staff members have been successfully rescued … through the concerted efforts of the Nigerian Government and the security agencies. For this, we remain eternally grateful,” the Kontagora prelate stated. – Vatican News
