Children Abducted from Nigerian School Amid Rising Violence
In the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, armed robbers stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri Community, located in Niger State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that at least 52 schoolchildren, along with some staff members, were taken. However, there are suggestions that the actual number might be higher.
This incident comes after previous warnings were issued to boarding schools in the area, urging them to close due to increasing security threats. Despite these warnings, the school reportedly resumed operations without government approval.
International concerns are growing over the violence in Nigeria, particularly against both Protestant and Catholic communities. The identity of the attackers remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
“Police tactical units, military units, and other security agencies have deployed to the scene and are searching nearby forests with the intention of rescuing the abducted students,” local police stated.
Reports have also emerged that a security guard was seriously wounded during the incident, as indicated by a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora.
In light of the attack, officials from the Niger State government have issued a warning about the escalating threat. They noted that this incident happened despite the prior warnings and have ordered a temporary closure of boarding schools in the area.
“St. Mary’s School proceeded with resuming classes without notifying or seeking permission from the state government, thus exposing students and staff to avoidable hazards,” remarked Niger State Government Secretary Abubakar Usamu.
This abduction is part of a larger pattern of violence and kidnappings in Nigeria. On the previous Monday, 25 schoolgirls were also kidnapped in nearby Kebbi State, with experts noting that schools and tourists are frequently targeted for ransom, especially in the northern regions.
Recently, at a U.S.-sponsored event at the United Nations, rapper Nicki Minaj condemned the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria. The panel titled “Combatting Religious Violence and Killing of Christians in Nigeria” was hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mike Walz and included discussions with faith leaders and victims. Minaj remarked that the attacks have created an environment of fear across communities.
“In Nigeria, Christians face targeted violence, are forced from their homes, and live under threats of violence. This is not just an issue for Nigeria but is a growing problem globally that demands urgent attention,” she stated.
In early November, former President Donald Trump also threatened military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to act against the increasing violence faced by Christians, suggesting a potential cut-off of U.S. aid in such a circumstance.
“The Nigerian government must act quickly to prevent further atrocities against Christians,” he stated in his remarks, calling for military readiness for potential action.
