ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A harrowing incident unfolded in north-central Nigeria’s Niger state, where gunmen abducted a staggering total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution. This update, provided by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday, marks a significant increase from an earlier count of 215 schoolchildren.
The recent tally was adjusted following a thorough verification exercise and a final census conducted by the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN’s Niger state chapter. His visit to the school on Friday aimed to assess the aftermath of the traumatic attack, where chaos and fear enveloped the community after armed men stormed the school.
In a distressing elaboration of events, Yohanna stated that 88 additional students were captured while attempting to escape during the attack. The victims encompassed both male and female students, aged between 10 to 18, showcasing the vulnerability of children in regions afflicted by insecurity.
This chilling episode in Niger state’s remote Papiri community comes just days after another alarming incident, where 25 children were taken from a neighboring Kebbi state town, signifying a troubling pattern of school abductions that continues to plague the region. The geographical proximity—only 170 kilometers (106 miles)—highlights the pervasive threat armed groups pose to educational institutions across Nigeria.
As the investigation unfolds, no armed group has yet claimed responsibility for these abductions. In response to the escalating violence, authorities have mobilized tactical squads, collaborating with local hunters to initiate rescue operations aimed at bringing the children back to safety. This endeavor underscores the critical need for security measures that can effectively counteract the rise in school-related abductions.
Additionally, Yohanna contradicted statements from the state government that suggested St. Mary’s School had resumed educational activities. He dismissed these claims as false, asserting that the purported reopening was unfounded and only served as an attempt to deflect responsibility from the government’s failure to ensure safety in education. “We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame,” he remarked, urging families to remain calm and prayerful amidst the turmoil.
The prevalence of school kidnappings has become emblematic of broader insecurity issues in Africa’s most populous nation. Armed gangs frequently target schools, viewing them as “strategic” sites to heighten their visibility and assert dominance. This trend not only jeopardizes the safety of students and educators but also disrupts the education system, instilling a climate of fear that deters families from sending their children to school.
Reflecting on the state of education in conflict-affected areas, UNICEF reported last year that merely 37% of schools across ten conflict-prone states have implemented early warning systems to detect potential threats. This disconcerting statistic emphasizes the urgent need for increased security measures and preventative strategies to safeguard educational environments.
In light of the recent kidnappings, Niger state has taken decisive action by shutting down all schools temporarily to prevent further abductions. Governor Umar Bago made this announcement after consultations with security officials, stressing that the safety of lives and property must take precedence. “All schools are closed till further notice. So we have declared Christmas holiday for all schools in Niger state,” he stated, reflecting the community’s collective anguish and the necessity of protective measures in such vulnerable times.
The kidnappings occur against the backdrop of broader commentary regarding targeted violence in Nigeria, with U.S. President Donald Trump alleging specific attacks on Christians in the region. However, the reality is that such atrocities affect individuals from both Christian and Muslim communities alike, as evidenced by the recent attack in a Muslim-majority town in Kebbi state.
Adding to the complex dynamics, this school abduction incident coincides with notable political interactions, including the visit of Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the U.S., where he engaged with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Such discussions underscore the international dimension of Nigeria’s security challenges, which continue to have profound implications for the safety and well-being of its citizens.