In a dramatic development in Nigeria's ongoing security crisis, fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic school in north-central Niger state have managed to escape their captors and reunite with their families, according to school authorities.
Mass Kidnapping and Daring Escapes
The terrifying incident unfolded on Friday when gunmen stormed St. Mary's School, a Catholic institution located in the remote Papiri community of Niger state. The attackers seized 303 schoolchildren aged between 10 and 18, along with their teachers, in one of the largest mass abductions to hit the troubled region.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state and proprietor of the school, confirmed that the fifty students escaped individually between Friday and Saturday. "We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents," Yohanna stated, while urging continued prayers for the safe return of the remaining victims.
International Outcry and Papal Appeal
The mass abduction prompted immediate international concern, with Pope Leo XIV expressing his profound distress during a mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday. The pontiff declared himself "deeply saddened" by the incident and made a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of all hostages.
"I feel great sorrow, especially for the many girls and boys who have been abducted and for their anguished families," Pope Leo XIV stated. "I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release."
Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities face mounting pressure as 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers remain in captivity. No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions, and Nigerian authorities have not provided updates on rescue efforts for those still missing.
Pattern of School Attacks and Security Failures
The Niger state attack represents the latest in a disturbing pattern of school kidnappings that have become commonplace in Africa's most populous nation. Armed gangs increasingly view educational institutions as strategic targets to maximize attention and ransom demands.
Security analyst Confidence McHarry of Lagos-based SBM Intelligence noted that "the absence of consequences is what is fuelling these attacks." This assessment highlights the systemic security challenges facing northern Nigerian regions where government presence remains minimal.
The crisis extends beyond Niger state. Just four days prior to this incident, 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighboring Kebbi state's Maga town, located approximately 170 kilometers away. Both states exist within Nigeria's northern region where dozens of armed gangs operate with impunity.
In response to the escalating violence, Niger state authorities hurriedly closed all schools following Friday's attack. The federal government extended these precautions, shutting down federal colleges in conflict hotspots across the region.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu addressed the crisis, vowing that his government "will not relent until every hostage is freed." The president emphasized that "every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people."
The St. Mary's School kidnapping crisis continues to unfold as families await news about their missing children and international observers monitor Nigeria's response to one of its most persistent security challenges.
