₦airaland Forum

Full List Of 265 Pupils And Staff Members Still Held By Bandits After St. Mary’s Catholic School Abduction In Nigeria

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has disclosed that 265 individuals, comprising 239 nursery and primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members, remain in captivity following last week’s mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.

The diocese released a full list of the 265 individuals on Monday.

On Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that 50 abducted pupils had escaped and were safely reunited with their families, a development confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Niger State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, provided the update in a statement on Sunday.

The development came days after bandits stormed the school and kidnapped over 300 pupils, students, and staff members.

According to the diocese, as Monday, November 24, the following teachers were still being held by the bandits: Bitrus Yohanna, Cyril Bagudu, Mercy Yohanna, Justina Yakubu, Yohanna Daniel Dogonyaro, and Agnes Joseph.

The non-academic staff members still missing were listed as Anna Terry, Terry Francis, Emmanuel Ibrahim, Lydia Andrew, Godwin James, and Hannatu Bulus.

The names of secondary school students still missing were listed as Amos Kiloybas, JSS 1; Onah Benedict, JSS 1; Bulus Ezra, JSS 1; Anthony Linus, JSS 2; Dauda Zacharia, JSS 2; Bulus Gustave, JSS 2; Ejeh Mathew, JSS 3; Iliya John, JSS 3; Joshua Philip, JSS 3; Samaila Habila, JSS 3; Simon Christopher, SS 1; Yohanna Cephas, SS 2; Christopher Justice, SS 3; and Samuel Michael, SS 3.

The nursery school students still missing include Natherniel Andrew, Shalom Terry, Ajikovi Andrew, Zacharia Sabastine, John Lois, Yohanna Veronica, Emmanuel Ibrahim, Ayuba Linus, Bulus Christopher, Ibrahim Micah, Joshua Dogara, Marcus Stephen, Samuel Peter and Simon Wisdom.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman in a statement said security forces were working to ensure the abducted students and staff members would be rescued unharmed.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has appealed for the safe release of all the kidnapped pupils and staff members, urging prayers for their return.

The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unverified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, describing the incident as deeply distressing and avoidable.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government said it was still awaiting a precise headcount of those abducted as security agencies continue their assessment.

The SSG revealed that the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence pointing to an elevated threat level across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. He said the government had, in response, issued a security directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the zone.

“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” the statement said.

Usman added that security agencies have launched full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils. The government also assured the public that it remains in close communication with security formations and will provide updates as the situation unfolds.

Authorities urged school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories, stressing that the protection of lives—especially those of children—remains the administration’s top priority. Residents were further encouraged to remain calm and support security personnel with any useful information.

Local accounts indicate that the attack happened between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Sources in the community said many students were taken during a raid targeting the Catholic-run school, though the exact number remains unclear as records were still being compiled.

The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident by telephone, noting that the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified. When contacted, the Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said details would be provided later.

The shocking development comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, intensifying concerns over worsening security around schools across the northern region.

In Kwara State, a recent attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and over 20 abducted, prompting the state government to shut down more than 50 schools on Thursday.

The recurring attacks on educational institutions have heightened anxiety among parents and revived calls for strengthened community-based security measures across vulnerable communities.

Yesterday night, bandits invaded Dan-hako community in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State, shattering the peace of residents once again. During the invasion, they abducted one man and five young women, leaving families in distress and the community in fear.

This latest incident show the worsening insecurity in the region and the urgent need for decisive, sustained action to protect vulnerable communities.

A kidnapping operation launched by a gang of armed men suspected to be bandits in the early hours of Thursday turned bloody in Guto village, a border community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This is as operatives of the FCT Police Command engaged the attackers in a fierce shootout.

SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. when about 30 gunmen stormed the community and attempted to abduct a resident and members of his family.

A distress call was immediately sent to the police.

Responding swiftly, operatives from the Bwari Division, backed by personnel of the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS), raced to the scene.

However, on sighting the officers, the assailants reportedly opened fire, sparking a prolonged gun duel, according to the spokesperson of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement issued on Thursday.

She explained during the exchange, police operatives shot dead two members of the criminal gang, forcing the others to retreat into the surrounding bushes and rocky hills.

She noted that the victory came at a heavy cost: one police officer was fatally hit by gunfire.

He was rushed to the Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has deployed additional personnel to the area following the attack and ordered a full-scale investigation to track down the fleeing suspects.

He said normalcy had been restored in the community.

Josephine described the fallen officer as one who “paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”

Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i, has said the wave of defection by governors will not stop Nigerians from electing leaders of their choice in 2027.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said this during the unveiling of the ADC National Contact and Mobilization Office in Jos, on Wednesday.

He said while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors were decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigerians were moving to the ADC.

He said the ADC has the capacity to unite the people of the state if it takes over leadership of the state and the country at large in 2027.

The former governor, who said things were not going well, added that there is still hope.

He called on the residents of the state to support ADC to enable it to clinch the helm of affairs.

“40 years ago, I was visiting Plateau every week because my fiancé did her National Youth Service here in Jos. Even after marriage we visit Jos regularly for weekends. But since then, things have gone in the wrong direction in Jos, Plateau.

“I hope with better leadership at the state and National level, we will be able to unite people of Plateau state across ethnic and religious lines; so that Plateau state can be that Home of Peace and tourism that we have known it to be. We pray God gives us the ability to unite you, “ the former governor added.

He, however, said Nigerians are not happy with PDP and APC leadership, hence calling for new leadership in the country, vowing that with the support of the people in the state, ADC will defeat the ruling APC in the next general elections.

“I know that everyone is tired of this APC and PDP government across the country. Everyone is looking up to APC to save Nigeria. Governors from PDP are defecting to APC but Nigerians are defecting to ADC. By God’s grace, 230m Nigerians will defeat 25 governors.

“Nigerias have decided that in 2027, they will vote for ADC. What is ahead of us is to unite and bring all party members together. To bring our very good candidates, and good policies that will help all Nigerians. All of you here have a role to play. ADC is the only party that reserved 40% of leadership positions to the youth and 35% leadership contesting for women. It is a party for young people and women, “ the former governor said.

Plateau State coordinator of the ADC Contact and Mobilisation, Hon. Jamilu Lawandi Datti, while speaking at the event said Nigerian youths are suffering from widespread unemployment, rising insecurity that threaten lives and discourage investment, and the persistent lack of quality education and healthcare, especially in rural communities, calling on the youth to support the party.

Terrorists Ambush Nigerian Soldiers Heading to Rescue Kidnapped Kebbi Schoolgirls, Several Injured.

Curacao has become one of the unexpected newcomers in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The nation of 185,489 people topped Group B with 12 points and will be on the world’s radar next year as it makes its first-ever appearance at a FIFA men’s World Cup.

Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda fell short, while Jamaica still has a chance through the international playoff for the final spot at the tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

When did Curacao join FIFA?

Although the Curacao federation was founded in 1921, it did not join FIFA until 1932, and its first international tournament ended with a third-place finish behind Costa Rica and El Salvador. In 1946, the country hosted an official competition to mark the federation’s 25th anniversary; Aruba, Suriname, Colombia’s Junior and Feyenoord took part, with the hosts lifting the trophy. Its golden era arrived in the 1950s, when Curacao became one of the strongest sides in the region – highlighted by a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games – yet political issues and internal problems kept it from reaching a World Cup at the time.

The team’s best results include two third-place finishes at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, in 1963 and 1969. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup now stands among the federation’s greatest achievements.

Curacao team today

The players have been central to earning a place at the 2026 World Cup. The current roster includes:

Goalkeepers: Eloy Room, Leandro Merencia, Trevor Doornbusch
Defenders: Shurandy Sambo, Jurien Gaari, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Ar’jany Martha, Riechedly Bazoer, Armando Obispo and Joshua Brenet.
Midfielders: Godfried Roemeratoe, Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong, Tyrese Noslin, Kevin Felida
Forwards: Jürgen Locadia, Jeremy Antonisse, Jearl Margaritha, Gervane Kastaneer, Kenji Gorré, Sontje Hansen

Nigeria Judges are now singing “On your mandate” while standing at the 2025 Nigerian Judges Conference..

This doesn't make sense at all

pic.twitter.com/L9lb404cWx

— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) November 18, 2025

Former Chief Whip of the Senate and senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may capsize under the weight of ongoing mass defections of governors and lawmakers from opposition parties into its fold.

Ndume spoke at the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja on Sunday night.

Daily Trust reports that Governors of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno; Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori; Enugu, Peter Mbah; and Bayelsa, Douye Diri, have all dumped the PDP for the APC in recent weeks.

The ruling party has also secured more than a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly due to a wave of defections.

Legislator and Advocate of National Unity, Ndume, an APC chieftain, criticised the quality of defectors flocking to the party.

“I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded. And when you overload a ship, especially with empty cargo, it risks capsizing. If it capsizes, the owner of the ship will face a bigger problem,” he said.

Ndume said many of the defectors contribute “nothing” to the ruling party after joining, despite being generously accommodated.

“Some governors join and automatically become leaders of the party in their states, yet they remain silent and add no value. The PDP is struggling to play the opposition role, but we in the APC are not persuading anyone to join. They come because their house is on fire,” he added.

The Borno lawmaker urged Nigerians to support the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as it works to address the country’s growing challenges.

While acknowledging the president’s “sincerity”, he expressed concern that several ministers and key presidential aides lack the necessary capacity to deliver on their mandates.

Earlier, Mrs. Dame Azikiwe, called on contemporary public office holders to emulate the selfless service and patriotic commitment of First Republic leaders.

The newly elected national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has said the party is open to a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, saying all options that strengthen democracy are on the table.

Turaki said the PDP would prioritise rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges and would adopt whichever political strategy its members and the wider public consider most credible.

He spoke in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust yesterday after he was elected with over 1,516 delegate votes at the party’s national elective convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The former minister said he does not believe Nigeria will slip into a one-party system, but warned that “democracy is under threat.”

He added that the PDP under his leadership would work “with other political parties under IPAC, with civil society organisations, with the international community, and with the fourth estate of the realm, so we can ensure democracy is safeguarded.”

Asked whether the PDP would collaborate with other opposition parties to present a common front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, Turaki said the party would be open to all options.

“I do not know what will happen. But I assure you we will be open to all options, provided they strengthen democracy in Nigeria and are acceptable to our people.

“What we want is for Nigerians to be rescued from the present situation. So whatever option is available and acceptable will be considered. The decision will be taken when we get there.”

We’ll work with them if our principles align – ADC
Reacting to Turaki’s position, the National Publicity Secretary of the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party would be willing to work with the PDP only if the latter agrees that “it will not be business as usual.”

Speaking to Daily Trust, Abdullahi said: “We’ll be willing to work with any political party in Nigeria that is willing to subscribe to the philosophy of the ADC. We said we are not just interested in winning power for winning’s sake. We are more interested in resetting politics in Nigeria.

“If the purpose for working together is just to win power, then there is no point. That’s why we are saying that we are willing to work with them provided they are willing to abide by the principles that we have set for ourselves as a coalition.

“So, we absolutely believe that all opposition parties need to come together to defeat and remove this government that has threatened everything that we know to be good about our country. So, we are willing to work with them if they are willing to subscribe to our principles, which is that it is not going to be business as usual and that politics must be to the service of the people.”

We wish them good luck; we’re not worried – APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) said it is unbothered by any planned coalition, insisting no reasonable Nigerian would want to return to what it called the “years of PDP misrule.”

Speaking to Daily Trust, Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s Director of Publicity, said, “The APC is wishing them good luck, who is also part of them, I suppose (in veil reference to former President Goodluck Jonathan). Just that we do not know which of them. But we are not worried by whatever shenanigans they are coming up with.

“As long as the game is going to be played by the books, we know Nigerians will not want to go back the way of the PDP. Nigerians know what they went through under the misrule of the PDP. So, no matter what they say, no responsible Nigeria will go to the poll and vote for PDP again. Nigeria has been rescued from their misrule and Nigeria will not go back to that lane. So, we are not worried but we wish them good luck.”

How Turaki emerged as PDP chairman
Turaki emerged as the new PDP chairman in the early hours of Sunday after the party’s leadership, backed by five of its seven governors, aligned with the Ambassador Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee to proceed with the convention in Ibadan despite conflicting court orders—two stopping the exercise and one allowing it to proceed.

Two Federal High Court judges in Abuja had restrained the party from holding the convention, but a state high court in Ibadan granted permission. The Damagum faction said the latter ruling aligned with a previous Supreme Court decision that internal party affairs should not be truncated by judicial interference.

His election followed the withdrawal of Senator Lado Danmarke, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Katsina State, who was the only other cleared aspirant. Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido had earlier secured one of the court orders stopping the convention, arguing he was denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination form.

Despite withdrawing, Danmarke still polled 275 votes.

The price of bread, a staple in many Nigerian households, has remained high across various parts of the country despite a drop in the cost of flour, a key ingredient in bread production, Daily Trust’s findings have revealed.

Last year, the price of flour skyrocketed, hitting over NGN 80,000 per bag in markets across Kano and other northern states as well as other parts of Nigeria, a development which forced bakeries to increase the price of bread.

In some parts of the country, a loaf hitherto sold for N700 became N1,200 and that of N500 became N1,000, a development that forced some families to gradually erase bread from their menus.

It was gathered that late last year a 50kg bag of flour was sold between N70,000 and N71,000 and a bag of sugar cost N83,000 and N85,000 per 50kg, but as at the first week of March 2025, a 50kg bag of flour was selling at N58,000 while sugar is selling at N80, 000, yet the price of bread has remained high.

In Abuja, our correspondent who went round some major markets observed that a 50kg bag of flour is sold between N60,000 and N65,000 as against N80,000 and above last year.

It is said that in Nigeria, the bread industry generates up to US$19.81 billion and the market is expected to grow annually by 11.04 per cent.

Idris Bello Biyu, a civil servant in the Kano State Teachers Service Board and father of four, said that at a time he needed at least N2,200 to buy bread every morning; hence, the situation became unbearable and he had no option than to cancel bread from the family’s menu.

“Sadly, when the reduction in the prices of commodities began, we thought the price of bread would drop as well, but it didn’t happen,” he said.

Business owners also affected are the tea vendors, mostly known as Mai shayi.

Adamu Garba Dogo Maishayi, a ‘shayi’ vendor in Gombe, has raised concerns over a significant decline in tea sales, attributing the downturn to the high cost of bread.

Dogo Maishayi, who operates a mobile tea business, explained that many of his customers now opt for tea without bread.

“The authorities should encourage bakers to reduce the prices of bread in line with the decrease in flour prices. The high cost has negatively affected our profits.

“Bakers do not hesitate to increase bread prices when the cost of flour rises, but they are slow to reduce prices when flour prices drop,” Dogo Maishayi said.

However, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, chairman of the Bakers’ Association in Gombe, offered insight into the reasons behind the stagnation in bread prices.

He explained that the recent reduction in flour prices has been minimal, which has had little impact on the cost of bread. “The reduction in flour prices is just about 3 per cent, which is insignificant,” he said.

“If the price of a bag of flour had dropped by N10,000, we would see a ripple effect on bread prices. In that case, a loaf priced at N1,000 would drop to N900.”

The chairman of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Mr Ishaq Abdulraheem, said that although there was a slight reduction in the price of flour, it couldn’t lead to a fall in the price of bread.

He said: “At the time of the controversy, flour was sold at N60,000. Currently, it is N58,000. Sugar too has reduced from N82,000 to N80,000.

“Note that we are paying for electricity. And the price of diesel is fluctuating. Also, the price of margarine and nylon we use for packaging has not changed. Yeast has also not changed. Nothing has come down apart from flour and sugar.”

On the major factor affecting bread price, he said: “As long as Nigeria keeps importing wheat, the price of bread will remain high. We can use cassava as an alternative. That’s why we have been agitating for the government to ensure that cassava production is increased.”

A bakery owner in Kano State, Alhaji Manu Inuwa, told our correspondent that the public failed to understand that even if the prices of sugar and flour dropped, other items have not dropped, and they are very vital in bread making.

He added that people should understand that there are stages in increasing the price of bread, which are the same when trying to reduce it. He said, “We don’t increase the price outright; rather, we systematically reduce the weight of the loaf, and from there, other stages will be followed till the end, which is an increase in price.”

‘60,000 bakeries out of business’

Many bakery owners have lamented that the high cost of production is forcing them out of business.

Last week, the president of the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN), Engr. Onuorah Emmanuel has raised the alarm over the worsening economic conditions crippling the baking industry.

He revealed that more than half of bakeries belonging to his members alone have shut down in recent years due to skyrocketing production costs, high interest rates, and insecurity.

Speaking during the PBAN Day Out 2025 held in Lagos with the theme: “The Business of Baking: Pathways to Profit, Productivity and Growth,” Emmanuel painted a bleak picture of the sector, lamenting that bakers are battling multiple economic pressures that threaten their survival and the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians.

“The finances are stifling us; interest rates are astronomical. You can’t go to the bank and get a single-digit loan. All their loans are above 30 per cent. How does any business survive with that?” he asked.

In Kano, Umar Tijjani , a bakery owner at Yan Kaba, said the high cost of production has forced many to exit the business.

Tijjani said that because it is no longer profitable to run the business, he has since abandoned production and is contemplating quitting the business entirely.

A bread producer in Ilorin, Mr Abdulazeez Abdullateef, said the slight drop in flour prices has not translated into any meaningful reduction in the cost of bread.

He told Daily Trust on Sunday that flour prices fell only marginally in recent weeks.

According to him, they used to buy a bag of flour for N66,000. The current price is between N63,000 and N63,500.

He added that those who pay cash get it between N62,000 and N63,000.

He said the difference is barely N2,000 and has little effect on production.

Abdullateef explained that other items used in baking remain expensive.

“Flour is not the only ingredient we use. We buy yeast, flavour and preservatives. We also pay workers and spend on transport for distribution. This is why the price of bread has not changed,” he said.

He added that bakers have slightly increased the grams of their loaves.

“The 600-gram loaf now weighs between 610 grams and 630 grams. Anything more than that will take us back to loss,” he said.

Chairman of the Kwara Master Bakers Association, Alhaji Abdulfatai Alaba, also dismissed the impact of the slight drop in flour prices.

He compared the situation to the current fuel price challenge.

He said a reduction of one or two thousand naira on a bag of flour makes no significant difference with the high cost of other inputs.

“If we are talking about a reduction of like N10,000 or more, that is where the impact would have been felt much, not what we are having now,” he explained.

He noted that “flour rose from N38,000 during the previous (Buhari) administration to more than N64,000 at a point.”

He said the “current price of about N61,000 has not eased the pressure on bakers.”

Alaba said many bakers “continued to operate at a loss but avoided further price increases because of the economic hardship in the country.”

He added that the recent fall in the price of some food items made it more difficult to adjust bread prices upward.

Bakers’ president gives conditions to drop price

Speaking with Daily Trust, the president of the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN), Engr. Onuorah Emmanuel insisted that there has been no substantial reduction in the price of flour.

Besides, he said the energy cost also played a key role in the increase in the price of bread.

Emmanuel said that if the price of flour and other commodities like energy drops drastically, the bakers would be forced to reduce the bread price.

He said. “How much has come down in the price of flour? N500. Flour is still selling above N55,000. We have not increased bread prices in the last one year. Energy cost shot everything up again. Diesel prices have not come down. If all the prices come down, we will drop our price.

“My energy cost before now was like N600,000 to N800,000, but now it is close to N3million plus. Even in the midst of this, check the weight of our bread; the weight has increased substantially, too.”