The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said Saturday that a verification exercise confirmed 315 people were taken during Friday’s raid, including 303 students and 12 teachers. The figure also includes 88 students who were seized as they attempted to flee.
“We are working with the government and security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely,” CAN state chairman Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna said.
The Niger State government earlier said the school had ignored instructions to suspend boarding activities due to intelligence warnings about possible attacks, a claim CAN disputed.
Friday’s abduction is the third in Nigeria this week, following the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on Monday and 38 worshippers seized from a church in Kwara State on Wednesday, underscoring rising insecurity across northern regions.
Nigeria continues to battle criminal armed groups and insurgents responsible for rural raids, school kidnappings and highway ambushes. The country has witnessed several mass abductions over the past decade, including the 2014 Chibok incident, prompting public calls for stronger community protection and long-term security reforms.
Federal authorities say efforts are underway to locate the victims, while schools in several states have been temporarily closed as a precaution.