United Nations, has condemned the abduction of more than 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, calling for their immediate and safe return.
In a statement on Friday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the mass kidnapping as “heartbreaking,” stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State chapter, through its chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, earlier confirmed that 303 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted when armed men invaded the school.
The attack occurred just days after a similar incident in Kebbi State.
“We have witnessed yet another abduction of pupils in Niger State, just days after the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi,” Dujarric said.
He added that the UN stands with UNICEF and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, in expressing solidarity with the affected families and communities.
“Every effort must now focus on ensuring the children’s safe and immediate return,” he said, noting that the recurring attacks highlight the urgent need to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, designed to protect educational institutions in conflict-prone regions.
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