Over 300 Students and Teachers Abducted from Nigerian School

Gunmen abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, on Friday, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). This updated figure follows an initial report of 215 students taken.

The attack occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., with armed assailants invading the school premises. The Niger State government had previously issued directives for schools in the region to remain closed due to security threats. However, St. Mary's reopened without notifying or seeking clearance from the state authorities, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk.

This incident follows a similar abduction earlier in the week, where 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from a boarding school in Kebbi State. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack. Security forces have been deployed to search for the abducted individuals, and investigations are ongoing.

The United Nations condemned the abduction, emphasizing that "schools must be safe places for learning." The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also condemned the attack, expressing serious concern for the safety of those kidnapped and assuring that security agencies have been promptly notified.

These abductions highlight the escalating security challenges in Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target educational institutions. Authorities continue to work towards the safe return of the abducted students and staff.