Over 300 Students Snatched in Assault on Catholic School in Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a distressing incident, 303 young students and 12 faculty members were seized by assailants at St. Mary's School, a Catholic educational facility situated in the northern-central region of Niger state, per the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The revised numbers were revealed following a comprehensive verification process and recount, as stated by Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, head of the CAN in Niger state, who made a visit to the institution on Friday.

During this raid, 88 additional pupils were apprehended while attempting to flee. The abducted students include both boys and girls, aged between 10 and 18 years.

This abduction in the isolated Papiri locality of Niger came merely four days after a similar occurrence where 25 youngsters were taken from a school in Maga town, Kebbi state, located approximately 106 miles away.

Authorities have not attributed the kidnapping to any particular group, but tactical units and local volunteer hunters have been mobilized for the rescue mission.

Yohanna refuted the state government's assertions that schools in the area had resumed classes, citing a prior directive demanding closures due to heightened security concerns.

Yohanna advised families to maintain composure and continue praying, amid claims that schools are targeted to generate wide media attention.

UNICEF noted that last year, only a limited percentage of schools in volatile regions have mechanisms to anticipate threats, increasing their vulnerability.

Following these events, Niger state's administration has ordered all educational institutions to close indefinitely to prevent future incidents, as announced by Governor Umar Bago.

Governor Bago informed the media that all schools will remain shut until further notice, effectively extending a holiday period for the students.

These abductions occur alongside broader national issues affecting both Christian and Muslim communities, amidst allegations of religious-targeted attacks, despite the non-discriminatory nature of violence in Nigeria.

Coinciding with the assault, Nigeria's National Security Adviser was in the United States for discussions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding mutual security concerns.