A group of gunmen abducted a total of 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Niger state, north-central Nigeria, as confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria. This updated figure, revised from the initial count of 215 students, followed a thorough verification process and a final headcount conducted by Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the chairman of the association’s Niger state chapter.
In addition to the abducted students and teachers, 88 other students were captured while attempting to flee during the attack. The victims included both male and female students aged between 10 and 18. This incident occurred in the remote Papiri community of Niger state, just days after a similar kidnapping of 25 students in Maga town, Kebbi state, located 170 kilometers away.
Despite the lack of a claim of responsibility for the abductions, authorities have mobilized tactical squads and local hunters to facilitate the safe rescue of the abducted children. Contrary to the state government’s assertion that the school had resumed activities, Yohanna refuted this claim, emphasizing that there was no official communication allowing the school to reopen amidst prevailing security concerns.
School abductions have become emblematic of the insecurity plaguing Nigeria, with armed groups targeting educational institutions as a means to attract attention. UNICEF highlighted the inadequate early warning systems in conflict-affected states, with only 37% of schools equipped to detect potential threats.
The recent spate of kidnappings coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s allegations of targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria, although violence in the country impacts individuals from various religious backgrounds. The attack in Kebbi state occurred in a town with a Muslim-majority population.
Furthermore, the abduction occurred during a visit by Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the United States, where he met with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscoring the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria.
