Gunmen Abduct Over 200 Schoolchildren in Shocking Attack on Nigerian Catholic School

 

Nigeria has been thrown into deep shock and sorrow following the abduction of more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The attack, carried out in the early hours of Friday morning, has renewed nationwide concerns over insecurity and the vulnerability of schools to violent raids.

According to officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the armed men stormed the school between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, overpowering local security and whisking away 215 pupils and a dozen teachers. A security guard was reportedly shot during the incident, while others narrowly escaped into the surrounding bush.

Eyewitnesses described the raid as terrifying and chaotic, with children crying, teachers pleading, and gunshots echoing through the community. Residents say the attackers moved swiftly, leaving behind fear and confusion.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack, calling it “a heartbreaking assault on innocent children” and urging authorities to act decisively. Security operatives, including the military and police, have since launched a coordinated operation to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

The Niger State Government confirmed it had previously received intelligence about possible attacks and is now probing why the school resumed academic activities without official clearance. Officials say this may have increased vulnerability, though community members argue that children cannot remain out of school indefinitely.

This tragic incident adds to the worrying rise in mass abductions across northern Nigeria, where criminal gangs—often referred to as bandits—target schools for ransom. Just days earlier, 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Kebbi State, further highlighting the growing threat faced by students.

Parents of the abducted children have gathered in Papiri, crying, praying, and waiting anxiously for updates. Many expressed frustration at repeated failures to keep schools safe.

As rescue efforts intensify, Nigerians are once again calling on the government to strengthen security, protect children, and ensure that the cycle of school abductions finally comes to an end.