Not less than 316 people have been confirmed missing after the attack on St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
Local authorities say the headcount is still ongoing, and the numbers may increase as verification continues.
Bello Gidi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Agwara Local Government Chairman, told FIJ that the school has confirmed an additional 88 students were unaccounted for in the headcount that began on Saturday.
On Friday evening, the school had 215 students and 12 teachers, bringing its population to 227. Saturday’s updated figure shows 303 missing from the school and immediate community, based on checks from families and village leaders.
“Regarding the missing students in Agwara, the school has confirmed that 88 students are still unaccounted for. As of yesterday, the school population consisted of 215 students and 12 teachers, bringing the total to 227. However, the updated figure available now is 303. Sadly, Sarkin Samarin Agwara is still being held in captivity, along with the students.”
Local officials say the counting process remains active as more parents arrive to identify their children and more households report missing relatives.
The missing individuals include students, staff, a local youth leader and residents.
