Gunmen kidnap 215 students and 12 teachers in latest Nigerian school attack

Gunmen attacked a Catholic boarding school in western Nigeria on November 21, abducting more than 200 students in the latest in a series of kidnappings in Africa’s most populous country, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said, as per Associated Press.

The attack occurred at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in the Papiri community of Agwara local government area in Niger state. According to Daniel Atori, spokesperson for CAN’s Niger state chapter, the assailants seized 215 pupils and students along with 12 teachers.

“I just got back to the village tonight after visiting the school and meeting with parents,” Atori said, quoting Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa, CAN chairman in Niger. The statement added that the association is working “to ensure our children’s safe return.”

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abductions took place in the early hours of November 21, adding that military and security forces have been deployed to the area. St. Mary’s is classified as a secondary school, serving children roughly between the ages of 12 and 17.

Authorities noted that the abduction occurred despite prior intelligence warning of heightened threats, according to a statement by the secretary to the Niger state government.

In response to rising security concerns, the Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of 47 federal unity colleges, mainly located in northern states affected by conflict. These elite government schools typically draw students from across Nigeria.

The attack follows recent abductions in the region. On November 17, gunmen in Maga, Kebbi state, approximately 170 kilometres (105 miles) from Papiri, attacked a high school and abducted 25 schoolgirls; one has since escaped.

In a separate incident on Monday in Kwara state, which borders Niger, gunmen attacked a church, killing two people and abducting 38 worshippers, according to Femi Agbabiaka, secretary of the Christ Apostolic Church. Agbabiaka added that the kidnappers are demanding 100 million naira ($69,000) per person for their release.

By Tamilla Hasanova