LunagisthubNigeria’s Latest School Abduction: A Devastating Blow to the Nation’s Education System
In a shocking and disturbing turn of events, gunmen have abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria. The attack, which occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025, has left the nation in shock and raised concerns about the safety of schools in the region.
According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, the number of abducted students was updated to 303 after a verification exercise and final census. The total number of victims now stands at 315, including the 12 teachers. The students, both male and female, range in age from 10 to 18
The CAN chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has denied claims that the school received prior government warnings, stating that no circular or warning was received from the government or security agencies. He described the narrative as an “afterthought aimed at shifting blame”
The Niger State government has acknowledged the kidnapping, but also placed partial blame on the school, claiming it resumed academic activities without government clearance despite prior intelligence of a security risk. The government has ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure
This incident is part of a broader security challenge in Nigeria, with armed groups targeting schools, travelers, and remote villagers in kidnappings for ransom. The country has seen a surge in attacks on schools, with over 1,500 students abducted in the region since the Boko Haram Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in 2014
The UN envoy, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, has condemned the abduction and called for urgent measures to secure learning environments across the country. She emphasized the need for a more effective response to insecurity, stating that closing schools may play into the agenda of extremist groups
The abduction of these students is a stark reminder of the challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, particularly its children. The government and relevant authorities must work together to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
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