The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), the managing agents of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Nigeria, where 315 students and staff were abducted early Friday night, have issued a heartfelt appeal requesting prayers and spiritual solidarity.
Paul Samasumo – Vatican City
The kidnapping of the students and staff of Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri is perhaps one of the most serious mass abductions witnessed in Nigeria. Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, the school is managed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA).
“The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) earnestly request the prayers and spiritual solidarity of the global Catholic Religious family following the abduction of pupils, students, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Nigeria, schools owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, and under the direction and management of the OLA Sisters,” said Rome-based Sr. Mary T Barron, Congregation Leader of the religious women.
The community of Papiri is located in Nigeria’s Niger State, which borders Kaduna State.
A critical and painful moment
In the message shared with Vatican News, Sr. Barron explained that “in the early hours of 21st November, armed individuals attacked the school community and forcefully took away children and staff members.” She described the incident as tragic and one that has caused immense anguish not only to the families of victims but also to the OLA sisters worldwide, the Diocese of Kontagora, and the local community in Papiri.
“At this critical and painful moment, we turn to God with trust and hope, and we ask all Religious Congregations, Catholic institutions, faith communities, and people of goodwill around the world to join us in fervent prayer: For the safe and swift return of the abducted pupils, students, and staff; For God’s protection, strength, and consolation for their families and the community of Papiri; For the safety and protection of our people in Nigeria, who continue to face growing insecurity; and for an end to all forms of violence, the restoration of peace, justice, and dignity in the area,” said Sr. Barron in her appeal.
The power of prayer
Sr Barron further reaffirmed the faith of the OLA Sisters in the power of prayer:
“‘We believe deeply in the power of unified prayer. We need as many people as possible to lift this community before God during this moment of suffering and uncertainty. May God, in God’s infinite mercy, protect the innocent, guide leaders to act with justice, and bring all those taken back home safely.’”
There was no warning
Giving an upward update on the number of victims, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed that 315 students and staff had been abducted. He refuted claims that the school had been warned by authorities of a possible terrorist attack. The Bishop dismissed such reports as “propaganda” and an attempt to shift blame.
“We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame. In the past, around 2022, when we heard rumours of security challenges, we did not hesitate—we shut down immediately,” the Bishop. told local media
Bishop Dauwa Yohanna nonetheless assured the public of the Diocese’s continued cooperation with government authorities, community leaders, and security agencies. He also called for prayers for the safe and swift return of all abducted students and staff.
