At least 227 students and teachers have been abducted by suspected terrorists from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in one of the largest school kidnappings recorded this year.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the mass abduction on Friday. He said CAN is already working with security agencies and government authorities to ensure the safe return of all victims.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Daniel Atori, Yohanna revealed that the victims include 215 pupils and students as well as 12 teachers.
“I have just returned to the village after visiting the school and meeting with parents. I assured them that we are actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the safe return of our children,” he said.
According to the statement, some students managed to escape the attack, while anxious parents have begun withdrawing their children from the now-closed school.
Yohanna called for calm, urging residents to remain prayerful and hopeful.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the abducted children and staff are brought back safely and swiftly,” he added.
Growing Wave of School Abductions
The latest attack deepens concerns over rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly the recurrent targeting of schools. The Papiri abduction comes just days after 26 students were seized from a Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, an attack that also claimed the life of Vice Principal Hassan Makuku.
It also follows the recent abduction of at least 30 worshippers during a deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where three people were killed.
Security analysts warn that the resurgence of mass kidnappings signals a worsening security climate and a need for more effective measures to protect vulnerable communities.