Nigeria Declares Emergency After Mass Schoolgirl Abductions
Nigeria declares emergency after school abductions

National Crisis Unfolds Following School Attack

Nigeria's president has declared a national state of emergency in response to the mass abduction of schoolgirls and staff from St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community. The shocking incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2025, when armed gunmen stormed the educational facility, taking an undisclosed number of children and staff members hostage.

The declaration comes as police and government officials continue their investigation at the school site, where disturbing evidence of the attack remains visible. Photographs from the scene show security personnel and officials gathered at the school compound, assessing the damage and collecting evidence three days after the traumatic event.

Emergency Response Measures Activated

With the national emergency declaration, the Nigerian government has mobilized extensive security resources to locate and rescue the abducted individuals. The presidential order enables the deployment of additional military and police forces to the affected region, with special focus on search and rescue operations.

This tragic event marks one of the largest school abductions in Nigeria's recent history, reviving painful memories of previous mass kidnappings that have plagued the country's educational institutions. The Papiri community remains in a state of shock and anguish as families await news about their missing children.

International Concern Grows

The international community has begun expressing concern over the escalating security situation in Nigeria. Human rights organizations and global leaders are monitoring developments closely, with many calling for immediate action to ensure the safe return of all abducted individuals.

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing educational institutions in certain regions of Nigeria, where schools have increasingly become targets for armed groups. The emergency declaration signals the government's recognition of the severity of the situation and its commitment to addressing the security crisis.

As search operations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about the abductions to come forward, while assuring the public that every available resource is being deployed to resolve this crisis.