Rising Violence in Nigeria: Abduction of Students from Catholic School

Sat Nov 22 2025 16:03:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A troubling wave of violence continues to plague Nigeria as armed men abduct students from a Catholic school, prompting concerns over safety and security in educational institutions.

In a recent attack, armed men abducted an unknown number of pupils from St Mary's School in Papiri, Niger state, marking the second school kidnapping within a week. As residents estimate close to 100 individuals may be missing, authorities express concern over the school's decision to disregard a closure order amid rising security threats. This incident is part of a larger trend of violence in Nigeria, with multiple attacks reported in recent days, including the kidnapping of schoolgirls in nearby states.

In a shocking incident highlighting the escalating violence in Nigeria, armed men have abducted an unknown number of students from a Catholic school in Niger state. The attack on St Mary's School in Papiri occurred early Friday morning, making it the second such abduction in less than a week.

Reports suggest that close to 100 students and staff might have been taken during the raid. The state's government had previously ordered the closure of all boarding schools due to rising security concerns. However, St Mary's School re-opened without proper clearance, exposing its students to harm.

The Nigerian Police confirmed that the assailants stormed the school’s hostel around 2 AM local time and are currently conducting operations in nearby forests in efforts to locate and rescue the abducted individuals.

This alarming resurgence of kidnappings is part of a wider pattern of violence affecting Nigeria, including the recent abductions of schoolgirls in Kebbi state, further fueling fears in local communities. Families of the victims anxiously await news amid growing uncertainty.

The escalating violence has drawn international attention, with officials and governments responding to claims about the motives behind these attacks, asserting that all faiths are affected by this wave of terror.