The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has condemned the latest school attack in Niger State, where armed men invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting students, teachers and other staff members during a midnight raid.
In a statement on Friday, the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Joseph, said the attackers struck between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, shooting a security guard and whisking away several members of the school community.
“This is to inform us that armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, in the early hours of 21st November 2025, abducting some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot,” the statement read.
The Diocese described the incident as distressing and expressed grave concern for the safety and wellbeing of the abducted children and staff.
According to the statement, security agencies were immediately notified and have launched a coordinated effort to track the attackers and rescue the victims. The Diocese added that it is working closely with security operatives, traditional rulers and government authorities to ensure the safe return of those kidnapped.
Appealing for calm, the Church urged Nigerians to support ongoing rescue operations and to pray for the swift and safe release of the abductees. It also reaffirmed its commitment to child protection across its institutions.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” it added.
The raid follows a similar attack days earlier in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, intensifying public anxiety over the rising wave of school attacks in the region.
More than 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State on Thursday over security concerns, while President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned trips to South Africa and Angola to oversee the government’s response to the escalating crisis.
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