Mass Kidnapping at Nigerian School Shocks the Nation
In a devastating escalation of violence targeting educational institutions, more than 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were forcibly taken by gunmen during a brazen attack on St. Mary’s School. The Catholic institution, located in the remote Papiri community within north-central Nigeria’s Niger state, was stormed in an incident that has sent shockwaves across the country.
Revised Figures and Official Verification
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) provided the updated and harrowing tally on Saturday 22 November 2025. This figure represents a significant increase from an initial count of 215 abducted schoolchildren. The revision followed a thorough verification process. The Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, confirmed the new numbers in an official statement after he personally visited the school on Friday to oversee a final census.
A Disturbing Pattern of Attacks
This mass kidnapping is not an isolated event. It occurred just four days after another 25 schoolchildren were seized under similar circumstances in the neighbouring Kebbi state. That attack took place in Maga town, approximately 170 kilometres (106 miles) away, highlighting a worrying trend of targeted assaults on schools in the region. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abductions at St. Mary’s School.
In response to the crisis, Nigerian authorities have confirmed that tactical squads have been deployed to locate and rescue the missing children and staff. These specialised units are operating alongside local hunters, combing the area in a desperate race against time to bring the victims home safely.
