More than 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by armed assailants during an attack on St Mary’s School in Nigeria’s north-central region. This incident, confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has updated the initial count of kidnapped children from 215 following a verification exercise conducted by local authorities.
The attack took place in the remote Papiri community of Niger State and marks a disturbing escalation in school-related kidnappings in the area. According to a statement from Most Rev Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger chapter of CAN, the final tally was determined after a thorough census was carried out by officials who visited the school on March 1, 2024.
This latest incident occurred only four days after a similar abduction in the neighbouring Kebbi State, where 25 schoolchildren were taken in the town of Maga, located approximately 170 kilometres from Papiri. The pattern of attacks highlights ongoing security challenges facing schools in northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target educational institutions.
As of now, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for these kidnappings. In response to the crisis, authorities have deployed tactical squads and local hunters to aid in the rescue efforts for the abducted children. The situation remains fluid, with families and communities anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
The rise in such attacks raises significant concerns about the safety of students and educators in the region. The Nigerian government has faced mounting pressure to improve security measures in schools, particularly in areas prone to violence.
The abduction at St Mary’s School represents a troubling chapter in the ongoing struggle against insecurity in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for effective strategies to protect vulnerable populations. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for enhanced security and proactive measures to safeguard children continues to grow louder.
