Pope Leo XIV has called for the urgent and unconditional release of the 315 victims abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Pope made the appeal on Sunday while expressing grief over the mass kidnapping, which involved students, teachers, priests, and other members of the Catholic community.
“I received with profound sorrow the news of the abduction of priests, faithful, and schoolchildren. I make a heartfelt plea for the swift and unconditional release of all those being held,” Pope Leo XIV said.
Details of the Attack
The large-scale assault occurred in the early hours of Friday when heavily armed men stormed the private Catholic school in a coordinated operation.
Local reports indicate that the attackers arrived on more than 60 motorcycles, accompanied by a van, before breaking into the school compound.
During the invasion, the school’s gatekeeper was shot and left critically injured.
A resident of Agwarra confirmed the incident, noting that the exact number of victims remains unclear as authorities work to verify the figures.
“It happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. The number of students taken is still unclear,” the source said.
Another community witness reported that several teachers were also kidnapped, raising concerns about the safety of the victims and the growing insecurity in the region.
Rising Concern Over Insecurity
The mass abduction has sparked renewed fears about the safety of schools in northern Nigeria, following a disturbing pattern of attacks on educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
Authorities, community leaders, and security agencies are currently collaborating to track the abductors and secure the safe return of all victims.
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