Wave of Violence Hits Education Sector as 227 Taken from Catholic School.

Authorities have confirmed that 227 individuals, including students and teachers, were abducted during an attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. The abduction, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, involved 215 students and 12 teachers, according to a statement from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident unfolded between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., when armed assailants stormed the Catholic-owned school. While some students managed to escape, many remain in captivity, prompting school closures and a coordinated response from parents and security agencies.

A CAN representative emphasized that authorities are working closely with security operatives, community leaders, and government officials to secure the safe release of the abductees. “We urge everyone to remain calm and prayerful. Efforts are underway to ensure the swift and safe return of all those taken,” the statement said.

This attack follows closely on the heels of a separate kidnapping in Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted from a secondary school in Maga, resulting in the death of the school’s vice principal, who attempted to resist the attackers. The wave of school abductions continues to heighten security concerns across the region.