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Twenty-two days after the disturbing abduction of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has officially confirmed that 315 persons were taken during the incident, putting to rest weeks of public uncertainty and conflicting accounts surrounding the tragedy.

The governor made the disclosure on Friday at the Government House in Minna during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners, local government chairmen and vice chairmen, as well as members of various state boards. His admission represents a notable shift from earlier statements in which the state government had dismissed reports of the abduction or described the figures as exaggerated.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bago acknowledged the deep pain the incident has caused families and communities in Papiri and beyond.

He led dignitaries and government officials in observing a minute of silence in honour of parents of the abducted students who reportedly lost their lives following the traumatic event.

Reflecting on the incident, the governor recalled that the state awoke nearly three weeks earlier to shocking news of the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers.

He confirmed that security agencies had so far secured the release of 100 of the abducted victims and assured that efforts were being intensified to rescue those still in captivity and reunite them with their families as soon as possible.

In a move aimed at fostering inclusion and rebuilding confidence, Governor Bago announced that his administration would appoint indigenes of Papiri into various positions within the state government.

He described the decision as part of a broader strategy to ensure that affected communities are not marginalised and are actively involved in governance.

The governor also used the occasion to call for unity, reconciliation and a renewed commitment to peace in Niger State. Offering prayers for divine intervention, he appealed for the rescue of the remaining abducted children and teachers and for an end to insecurity across the state.

He urged residents to embrace a new direction founded on fairness, opportunity and shared responsibility, stressing that the tragedy should serve as a catalyst for positive change.

Governor Bago expressed gratitude for the resilience shown by the people of Niger State, noting that despite the painful episode, the state had remained united. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront security challenges head-on and restore confidence in public institutions.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, stated that the newly sworn-in appointees and elected council chairmen were selected based on competence, experience and integrity.

He charged them to promptly assume their duties and focus on delivering effective governance, with particular emphasis on improving security, education and healthcare services across the state.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented at the ceremony by Justice Amina of Court 6, Minna.

As Niger State grapples with the aftermath of the Papiri school abduction, the governor’s confirmation of the number of victims and renewed assurances of rescue efforts have renewed public attention on the pace and effectiveness of government action in addressing insecurity and safeguarding educational institutions.