A harrowing incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday as gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff members.
The attack has left the community in a state of panic and desperation, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
According to local sources, the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles and in vehicles, struck the private boarding school between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., taking possibly over 100 pupils and several staff members. The abductees are believed to include both male and female students, as well as teachers and other school staff.
Miraculously, no deaths have been reported, but the community is reeling from the shock of the attack. Security forces have been deployed to the area near the Niger-Benin border, but no rescues have been reported yet. The authorities are working to verify the number of abductees and to establish contact with the kidnappers.
The Niger State Government has condemned the attack, promising to take action. “We are deeply concerned about the safety and security of our citizens, particularly our school children,” said a statement from the government. “We will do everything in our power to ensure the safe release of the abductees and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
This incident is the latest in a disturbing wave of school kidnappings in Nigeria, leaving communities in despair. In March 2021, over 300 schoolgirls were abducted from Chibok, Borno State, and many are still missing. Earlier this week, 25 schoolgirls were abducted from a school in Kebbi State.
The United Nations and other international organizations have condemned the attacks and called on the Nigerian government to take urgent action to protect schools and ensure the safe release of all abductees.
As the situation continues to unfold, families and loved ones of the abductees are anxiously waiting for news. The community is rallying around them, offering support and prayers for the safe return of the students and staff.
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