Gunmen Abduct Over 200 Schoolchildren and Teachers in Massive Attack on Catholic School in Niger State
In one of the largest school abductions Nigeria has witnessed in recent years, armed gunmen have kidnapped more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from a Catholic boarding school in Papiri, near Kontagora, Niger State.
The attack took place early Thursday when heavily armed bandits stormed the school premises, overpowering local security personnel and rounding up students and staff before disappearing into nearby forest areas.
According to reports, community members claim that security agencies were alerted ahead of time about suspicious movements around the area, but no preventive action was taken. Parents and relatives of the abducted victims have since gathered at the school, anxiously awaiting updates.
Local authorities confirmed the attack and stated that a military-led operation has been launched to track the kidnappers and rescue the hostages. However, concerns remain high as previous mass abductions in the region have resulted in prolonged captivity and, in some cases, ransom negotiations.
The latest kidnapping has sparked national outrage, with many Nigerians calling for urgent reforms to address escalating insecurity in schools across the northern region.
As the search continues, state and federal officials have urged the public to remain calm while security agencies intensify efforts to bring the children and teachers home safely.
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