In a shocking development, the number of children abducted in a Nigerian school attack has risen to over 300, with 12 teachers also taken captive. This tragic incident occurred at St. Mary's School, a Catholic institution in Niger state, Nigeria. The initial report of 215 abducted children was revised after a thorough verification process, revealing a higher toll. The attack, which took place in the remote Papiri community, happened just four days after a similar kidnapping in neighboring Kebbi state, where 25 schoolchildren were seized. The abductions have not been claimed by any group, and authorities are working alongside local hunters to rescue the children. The Niger state government's claim that the school had reopened despite security threats has been refuted by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who visited the school and called for calm and prayer among families.
The school kidnapping crisis in Nigeria has become a defining feature of the country's insecurity, with armed gangs targeting schools as strategic points of attention. Only 37% of schools in conflict-hit states have early warning systems, according to UNICEF. In response, Niger state has shut down all schools to prevent further kidnappings, prioritizing the safety of lives and property. This decision comes amidst U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of targeted killings against Christians in Nigeria, which affect both religious groups. The attack in Kebbi state, a Muslim-majority town, further highlights the complex religious dynamics at play in the region. The abductions also coincided with the visit of Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the U.S., where he met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
