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In an update
Vatican News reported that over 300 Catholic school children, and 12 teachers, in Nigeria were kidnapped by gunmen in the latest attack, at Saint Mary's School. Earlier, Nigerian news outlet Arise TV said only 52 children were abducted. Now, it was revealed that over 300 were taken by the Gunmen in Nigeria, Africa, who kidnapped several students and staff from a Catholic school early November 21st.
The Catholic institution is in Agwara local government’s Papiri community, according to The Associated Press, which cited Abubakar Usman, the secretary to the Niger state government.
The Niger State Police Command said military and security forces were deployed to the area where the attack took place in the early hours of Friday, the AP reported. Additionally, the Niger State Police Command said Saint Mary's educates students ages 12–17.
A security staffer was "badly shot" in the attack.
The attack at the school follows a similar incident earlier this week in which armed attackers kidnapped 25 girls from a boarding school in Nigeria’s Kebbi State and killed at least one staffer. Also, there was attack on the Church of Eruku, in the western state of Kwara, on 18 November.
The search for the abducted schoolgirls is ongoing.
Nigeria has seen a series of attacks on Christians, prompting President Donald Trump to declare the West African nation a "country of particular concern" over the persecution of Christians. However, the Nigerian government has disputed these claims.
For his part, Jonathan Pratt, head of the Bureau of African Affairs at the U.S. State Department, said that Washington is considering imposing sanctions and taking counter-terrorism actions in Nigeria, with help from the Pentagon, to pressure Nigeria to address violence against Christians in the country.
“This plan includes the involvement of the Treasury in sanctions and also the War Department in counter-terrorism, in addition to further efforts to protect religious communities,” Pratt explained, adding that Washington is especially reviewing the security assistance provided to the Nigerian government and how it is using resources, as well as the sharing of information and intelligence.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora wrote in a statement;
To The Priests, Religious and Faithful,
ATTACK AND KIDNAPPING OF PUPILS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, PAPIRI, NIGER STATE
This is to inform us that armed attackers invaded St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, in the early hours of 21st November 2025, abducting some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot. The incident occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., causing fear and distress within the school community.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families. Security agencies were immediately informed and have begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of the victims. The Bishop assured the public that the Diocese is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities.
The Diocese called on the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and quick return of all abducted. It also reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of children and promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.
May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all danger.
With prayers and sympathy,
Wrote Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph the Diocesan Secretary
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