BREAKING: A staggering 303 children and 12 teachers have been kidnapped by armed gunmen from St Mary’s School in north-central Nigeria. This urgent update comes from the Christian Association of Nigeria, revealing the shocking scale of this abduction, which follows the earlier kidnapping of 25 Christian schoolchildren.
Relatives of the victims are in a state of despair and uncertainty. One grandfather lamented, “We don’t know what is happening now because we have not heard anything since this morning.” This heartbreaking situation highlights the pervasive fear surrounding schoolchildren and their families in Nigeria, where violence against Christians has surged alarmingly.
The kidnappers are believed to be affiliated with one of the Islamic groups active in the region, known for conducting similar abductions. Reports indicate that over 100 Christians have been killed in just the last month, raising concerns of an ongoing campaign of violence and terror.
Amid the chaos, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria. He stated on Truth Social, “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance…” Trump’s remarks signify a potential shift in international attention towards Nigeria’s crisis, urging the Nigerian government to take immediate action.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Trump’s message, stating, “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria – and anywhere – must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action.” This bold declaration underlines the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate intervention.
However, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has contested claims of systematic targeting of Christians, arguing that they are based on misinformation. Tinubu expressed that, “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.” Despite these assertions, local Christian advocacy groups report ongoing violence and abductions, emphasizing the dire plight of Christians in Nigeria.
The toll of violence against Christians in Nigeria has reached a staggering 56,000 deaths since 2009, according to activist groups. Families continue to suffer as the government struggles to protect its citizens from extremist attacks. While Nigerian officials deny targeted persecution, the evidence on the ground paints a different picture, prompting calls for urgent international attention.
As this crisis unfolds, the world watches closely. The U.S. government is reportedly seeking assurances and tangible proof from Nigeria that they are taking steps to safeguard Christians, who make up nearly half of the country’s population. With a growing sense of urgency, both domestic and international pressures mount on Nigerian authorities to act decisively against the violence.
What happens next remains uncertain, but the call for action is clear. Families are desperate for answers, and the international community is beginning to take notice. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
This tragic incident emphasizes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, where children and families are caught in the crossfire of religious violence. The situation demands immediate action and attention from global leaders to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable populations.
