In Niger State, a journalist and Media Aide to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), State Chairman, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna Dan Atori, have been threatened by some ‘faceless’ individuals over reports on last Friday’s Papiri schools attack by suspected terrorists who abducted over 300 pupils and members of staff.
Threats to the CAN chairman’s media aide may not be unconnected with distorted facts in some quarters about the exact number of the abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s private Catholic Primary and Secondary schools, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, reports Daily Independent.
While the CAN Chairman, Bishop Yohanna, who is the proprietor of the schools through his Media Aide, insisted that the number of victims was more than 300, but people from some quarters are saying that the number is far less.
Bulus Yohanna, who is the Bishop of Kontagora Catholic Diocese, had insisted that the people coming up with fictitious figures never visited the school in person and, as such, do not have an accurate figure except through speculations.
Consequently, Dan, the Media Aide to the CAN Chairman, said he has received several calls from hidden numbers threatening him to stop giving details of the abduction.
“I have been contacted by some groups, both the good, bad and the ugly, security, politicians, propagandists. By God’s grace, no matter how long the truth is suppressed, it must surely come out strong to silence lies, propaganda”.
Dan, whose only offence is carrying out instructions by his Principal, Bishop Yohanna said, “As at the last 48 hours, I have received calls (hidden numbers) threatening and warning me not to do/send statements, for safety purposes. I have notified the necessary channels of the threats”.
“I need your prayers and support as always. And my earnest prayers is to see that the remaining captives are rescued by the power of God”, he said.
