Mass Abduction in Nigeria: Over 300 Students and Teachers Kidnapped

Sun Nov 23 2025 00:10:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A tragic mass abduction at St Mary's School in Niger state, Nigeria, sees 315 individuals, predominantly children, taken by armed assailants, marking a significant escalation in the country's security crisis.

In one of Nigeria's most severe mass abduction incidents, armed assailants have kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers from St Mary's School in Niger state. This event follows a worrying trend of increasing violence and insecurity, prompting public outcry for government action and resource allocation to better protect vulnerable communities.

In one of the worst mass abductions to occur in Nigeria, more than 300 children and staff have been taken from St Mary's School in Papiri, Niger state. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed that the shocking total now stands at 303 students and 12 teachers, significantly exceeding initial estimates.

This incident highlights a troubling trend in Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target educational institutions. The latest abduction surpasses the notorious 2014 Chibok kidnapping, where 276 girls were abducted by the militant group Boko Haram.

Local authorities report that gunmen stormed the school early on Friday morning, taking hostages from the boarding facility. Many families are left in anguish, as mothers like one woman who tearfully conveyed her worry for her young nieces plead for their return. Community members have expressed shock and helplessness; one resident said, “Everybody is weak... it took everybody by surprise.”

In response to the rising insecurity, police forces are actively searching nearby forests for the kidnapped individuals. Unfortunately, the latest numbers reveal that this abduction accounts for nearly half of the school's total enrollment. Authorities cited previous intelligence warnings that suggested a potential for increased attacks, further drawing scrutiny toward school management for continuing operations.

With the rise of these incidents, the Nigerian government has ordered the closure of many federal colleges and public schools in response to security threats. Public backlash is intensifying, demanding government accountability and decisive actions to ensure the safety of children and educational facilities across the nation.

While there have been claims related to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, official government responses indicate that terrorism does not discriminate between religious identities, attacking all who oppose their ideology. This narrative continues to fuel international concern as Nigeria grapples with pervasive violence that often affects innocent civilians regardless of faith.