It is not raining in Papiri community in Niger State. It is pouring tears. Two parents of students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, have died — the tragedy adding to the heartbreak of families already reeling from the mass kidnapping.
The first, identified as Anthony Musa, reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack, attributed to the trauma of the abduction and the uncertain fate of his children.
The second is a woman whose identity remains unknown; as of the latest reports, her family has not been reached to ascertain the exact cause of death.
The confirmation came from Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, who also serves as chairman of the local chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). According to a statement by his media aide, Daniel Atori, efforts are ongoing to contact the woman’s family.
Recall that armed gunmen attacked the school in the small Papiri community in the early hours of 21 November 2025. Many students and staff were abducted.
According to official figures, around 303 pupils and 12 teachers were taken. The exact numbers have been subject to revision.
50 pupils managed to escape and have since reunited with their families.
As it stands now, more than 250 students and a dozen staff remain in captivity. Their rescue — and safe return — remains uncertain.
The deaths of the two parents highlight the profound emotional and psychological toll the abduction is exacting on families and the broader school community. Parents have told reporters they are traumatised, frustrated and increasingly fearful as days pass with no sign of their children.
Meanwhile, tensions have mounted between the state government and the school’s management. The government insists the school reopened without clearance — despite security warnings — thereby knowingly exposing pupils and staff to grave risks. The school and others within the vicinity deny been aware of a much-talked about circular asking them to shut down. They asked for evidence of such a notice.
Calls for swift action are growing louder. The local chapter of CAN and the Diocese have appealed for collaboration with security agencies to expedite rescue efforts and charged the authorities to do more to safeguard schools.
