In a shocking escalation of violence, 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, highlighting ongoing security failures.
Story Highlights
- 303 students and 12 teachers abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria.
- Incident underscores systemic security failures in Nigeria’s education system.
- Mass abduction follows similar attack just days earlier in neighboring state.
- Schools in Niger State closed indefinitely to protect students.
Mass Abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School
On November 22, 2025, armed assailants attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Niger State, Nigeria, capturing 303 students and 12 teachers. This tragic event follows a similar incident on November 18, where 25 children were abducted in Kebbi State, marking a troubling pattern of school-targeted violence. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) provided these figures after a thorough verification process, raising questions about Nigeria’s capacity to protect its educational institutions.
This incident, one of the largest school abductions in recent history, raises concerns over religious targeting, as the victims were taken from a Catholic institution. However, the broader context suggests that these kidnappings are primarily financially motivated, as schools are seen as lucrative targets for ransom. Yet, the religious affiliation of the school cannot be ignored, adding a layer of complexity to the already dire security situation in Nigeria.
Government Response and School Closures
In response to the abductions, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has ordered the closure of all schools in the state until further notice, effectively extending the Christmas holiday. This decision aims to safeguard students amid ongoing security threats. Despite these measures, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, further complicating efforts to address the crisis. CAN Chairman Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna criticized the state government for what he termed “afterthought” actions, indicating a lack of proactive security measures.
The closure of schools affects not only the abducted children but also hundreds of thousands of students across Niger State, further exacerbating educational disruption in a region already plagued by instability. The psychological trauma inflicted on the kidnapped children and their families cannot be understated, as communities grapple with the loss of safety and trust in the state’s protective capabilities.
Long-Term Implications and Broader Impact
The repeated failure to secure schools against such attacks is a stark reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s educational and security infrastructure. As kidnappings continue to fuel a multi-million dollar ransom industry, the economic and social ramifications are profound. This crisis undermines educational attainment, destabilizes communities, and erodes public confidence in government institutions.
The international community, including the U.S. administration under President Trump, has expressed concern over the security situation in Nigeria. While the focus often highlights religious persecution, the evidence suggests a broader pattern of economically motivated violence affecting both Christian and Muslim communities. This ongoing crisis necessitates a coordinated response to address the root causes of insecurity and protect Nigeria’s vulnerable populations.
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More than 300 children were abducted in an attack on a Catholic school in Nigeria
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