Armed Attack on Catholic School in Nigeria: Over 200 Children Abducted

International Desk | PNN

In western Nigeria, a major abduction incident occurred early Friday morning. Armed attackers stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agoara district of Niger State, abducting over 200 students. Security analysts say this is among the largest school abductions in recent years.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 215 students and 12 teachers were abducted. Daniel Atori, spokesperson for CAN’s Niger State branch, has met local families and is monitoring the situation. “Parents are devastated. We are making every effort to safely return the children,” he said.

Niger State police confirmed the attack occurred before dawn, and the army and special forces were dispatched immediately. Satellite images show the St. Mary’s Secondary School complex is connected to a primary school with over 50 buildings.

Local residents said the school lacked adequate security. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora stated that a security guard on duty was seriously injured in the attack.

Dauda Chekula, 62, said four of his grandchildren aged seven to ten were missing. “Those who escaped scattered, and the rest were taken into the forest by the gunmen,” he reported.

A senior official from Niger State noted that intelligence had warned of increased risk, yet the school reopened without government permission.

Following the abduction, President Bola Tinubu canceled his planned G20 summit trip to South Africa; Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend instead.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Christians in Nigeria are being “targeted,” threatening military action. The Nigerian government denied this claim, stating that Muslims are more affected by armed group attacks.

This incident occurred just days after 25 female students were abducted from a school in Kebbi State; one escaped, but 24 remain missing. Nationwide security forces are on high alert.

Meanwhile, in Kwara State, gunmen attacked another church on Tuesday, killing two and abducting many worshippers. Local church authorities said kidnappers demanded approximately 100 million Naira (around $69,000) per abducted person.

The Niger State police report ongoing military and tactical operations in the forest. So far, no updates on rescues or communication with the abductees have been reported. Parents anxiously await the safe return of their children, while fear grips the nation—where will such attacks end?