Niger Gov. Bago Confirms St. Mary’s School Abductions After Earlier Denial

Story: written by Joseph December 11,2025
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has finally admitted to the abduction of 315 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area—three weeks after initially dismissing the reports and describing them as “exaggerated.”

Following his acknowledgment on Friday, the governor pledged to appoint indigenes of Papiri into strategic positions in his administration as part of efforts to address the concerns raised by the community.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for new commissioners, council chairmen, and board members in Minna, Governor Bago stated: “I will appoint people from Papiri into various positions. Oh God, rescue Niger State, rescue our children, and restore lasting peace. We want a new Niger where everyone has a chance to succeed.”

He also reaffirmed that rescue operations are ongoing to secure the remaining abducted students and teachers still held captive. According to him, “We have already secured the freedom of 100.”

It will be recalled that 100 out of the 259 abducted students were handed over to Governor Bago on Monday by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, after their release.