Abuja, November 22, 2025: Armed attackers abducted 227 students and teachers from a Catholic school in Nigeria’s Niger State on Friday, officials confirmed, marking the latest incident in a growing wave of school kidnappings across the region.
The victims were taken from Saint Mary’s School, where 215 pupils — many of them girls — and 12 teachers were seized by gunmen. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the mass abduction, saying search and rescue operations were underway.
“This is a tragic and alarming incident,” a CAN spokesperson said, urging the government to act swiftly to ensure the safe return of the children and educators.
Following the attack, authorities in Niger State and surrounding regions ordered an immediate shutdown of all schools as a precautionary measure, citing heightened security threats while investigations continue.
Officials noted that this is the second school abduction in the past week, deepening public fears amid an escalating trend of kidnappings targeting educational institutions in northern and central Nigeria. Parents and educators have expressed mounting anxiety as armed gangs increasingly target remote schools for ransom.
Security forces have expanded patrols and launched coordinated operations, but officials acknowledge persistent challenges due to the remoteness of many affected communities and the mobility of the armed groups.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the kidnappers have issued demands or whether negotiations are underway. However, officials said national security agencies are closely coordinating with local authorities to secure the safe release of all hostages.
International human rights groups condemned the attack, calling on Nigeria to strengthen protection for schools and children while addressing the broader insecurity plaguing the region.
Communities remain on high alert as the search continues, with officials pledging to prevent further abductions and restore public confidence in the safety of the country’s schools.
