23rd November 2025, Published by Cyril
Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for the immediate release of 315 abducted students and teachers taken from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, heavily armed gunmen stormed the Catholic-owned institution in the early hours of Friday, arriving in large numbers on more than 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. The attackers shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him critically injured, before abducting students and staff.
During his Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the rising wave of kidnappings targeting Christians in Nigeria and Cameroon.
NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM
- “I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” he said.
The Pope appealed for the “immediate release of the hostages,” noting the grief and panic faced by families of the abducted children.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers—totaling 315 victims—were kidnapped. This updated figure followed a verification exercise led by Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
Bishop Yohanna explained that an additional 88 students were discovered missing after parents reported they could not find their children, contrary to earlier assumptions that some had escaped.
He clarified that the affected school population before the attack stood at 629 learners—430 in primary and 199 in secondary.
Addressing speculations of a prior security warning, Bishop Yohanna firmly denied that the school received any circular or alert from government authorities.
- “We did not receive any circular. Whoever made that misleading claim should withdraw it or provide proof,” he said.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
He further clarified that the school is fully owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, dismissing rumours that Reverend Sisters travelled during the incident.
The attack on St. Mary’s School comes amid renewed concerns over rising insecurity in northern Nigeria. Within the same period, 25 girls were abducted from a secondary school in Kebbi State, and a church attack in Kwara State left two dead, with dozens kidnapped.
The situation has drawn international attention, with reports of U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action over what he described as persecution of Christians by radical groups in Nigeria.
Parents of the abducted students have appealed for swift government intervention as rescue operations continue. The Catholic Diocese and security agencies say they are working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of all victims.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, bringing you the latest Nigerian news on politics, economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
