A Dark Day in Niger: 227 Abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School

Niger State has been thrown into shock and heartbreak following the abduction of 227 people—including students, teachers, and school staff—from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri. The attack, carried out on Friday, November 21, 2025, has sparked widespread concern and urgent calls for action.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the incident in a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Dan Atori. Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, revealed that the abducted group includes 215 pupils and students, along with 12 teachers and staff members.

According to him, some students were able to escape during the chaos, and anxious parents have since rushed to the school to retrieve their children. The school has now been shut down as authorities assess the situation.

Yohanna emphasized that CAN is working closely with the government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all abductees. He appealed to the public to remain calm and committed to prayer, reassuring families that every effort is being made to bring their loved ones home.

Security operatives are already on the ground and actively engaged in rescue operations, though details remain limited as efforts continue.

This attack adds to the growing concern over school safety and the recurring targeting of educational institutions by suspected terrorist groups in parts of the country. Communities across Niger State are now hoping for a swift and positive outcome as rescue operations intensify.