CAN and Catholic Church Dispute Niger State's School Closure Order Amid Rising Abduction Cases

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora in Niger State have contradicted the government's order to shut down schools in Niger North Senatorial District following increased insecurity. The number of abducted students and teachers at St.

Mary's Catholic School in Paikiri Agwara Local Government Area has surged to 315, including 12 teachers. Reverend Dr.

Bulu Dauwa Yohanna dismissed the government's claims and emphasized that they were not instructed to close the school. Parents discovered the increased number of abductees during a census, with a total of 629 students in the primary and secondary sections.

The church leaders urge calm and assure continued collaboration with security agencies for rescue efforts.