In a harrowing incident that underscores the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding institution in the Agwara local government’s Papiri community, abducting more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has sent shockwaves across the nation, already grappling with a surge in kidnappings targeting educational institutions. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the abduction, with spokesperson Daniel Atori stating that efforts are underway to secure the safe return of the victims. Military and security forces have been deployed to the area, but details about the perpetrators remain unclear. The school, which serves children aged 12 to 17, is located near a major road linking Yelwa and Mokwa, making it a vulnerable target. This incident follows a spate of similar attacks, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state earlier in the week. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed his trip to the G20 summit in South Africa, vowing to prioritize the rescue mission. Analysts attribute the rise in kidnappings to the activities of armed gangs, often composed of former herders, who exploit the region’s insecurity for ransom. The Nigerian government faces mounting criticism for its failure to protect citizens, particularly in conflict-prone northern states. The closure of 47 federal unity colleges highlights the gravity of the situation. As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, calls for enhanced security measures and accountability grow louder.
Gunmen abduct more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers in attack on Nigerian Catholic school
