A major military-led search is under way in Nigeria for 265 children and 12 teachers still missing after armed men abducted them from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state. Some pupils who escaped have been reunited with their families, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The attack triggered widespread school closures across Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Yobe and Kwara. It follows another incident in Kebbi where more than 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped on Monday. In Kwara, 38 worshippers abducted from a church service last week were freed on Sunday, though two people were killed during the attack.
Police say gunmen stormed St Mary’s at about 2am. Authorities allege the school ignored instructions to close boarding facilities after intelligence warnings of a possible attack. The school has not commented.
The scale of the abduction surpasses the 2014 Chibok incident, which drew global attention. Families in Papiri remain distraught, as search teams made up of the military, police and local vigilantes comb forests and remote escape routes.
Niger state governor Mohammed Umaru Bongo has ordered all schools in the area to shut, while Pope Leo XIV has called for the captives’ immediate release.
Kidnapping for ransom by armed criminal groups, commonly called bandits, has become widespread across Nigeria. Despite a ban on ransom payments, attacks have continued. President Bola Tinubu has postponed foreign travel to address the escalating security concerns.
The government has rejected claims that Christians are being specifically targeted, saying terrorists attack people of all faiths. Analysts add that many clashes stem from competition for land and resources rather than religion.
Nigeria continues to battle long-running jihadist activity in the north-east, while families in Papiri wait anxiously for news of the missing children and teachers.
[Source: BBC]
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