A group of armed assailants abducted a total of 303 students and 12 educators from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Niger state of north-central Nigeria, as confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria. This update comes after a revised count from the initial report of 215 missing students. The update was made following a thorough verification process and a final headcount conducted by Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the chairperson of the association’s Niger state division, who personally visited the school.
Among the newly accounted for individuals, 88 students were captured while attempting to flee during the attack. The abducted students, both boys and girls, fell within the age range of 10 to 18 years old. This incident occurred in the remote Papiri community of Niger state, just four 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 teams and enlisted local hunters to facilitate the safe recovery of the children. Yohanna refuted claims by the state government that the school had resumed operations, emphasizing that there was no official directive received regarding the reopening and suggesting it was an attempt to deflect accountability.
In Nigeria, the recurring theme of school kidnappings has heightened concerns about national security. Armed groups view schools as strategic targets to amplify their visibility. UNICEF previously highlighted the inadequate early warning systems in conflict-affected regions, with only 37% of schools equipped to detect potential threats.
The unsettling trend of abductions unfolds amidst allegations from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria. It is crucial to note that attacks in the country impact both Christian and Muslim communities. Notably, the recent school assault in Kebbi state occurred in a town with a Muslim-majority population.
The timing of the attack coincided with the visit of Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the United States, where he held discussions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The situation remains fluid as efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted students continue.