The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has strongly condemned the violent attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, where gunmen abducted students and teachers during a midnight raid.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Joseph, confirmed that the attackers stormed the school between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, during which a security guard was shot and several members of the school community were taken captive.
The statement read, “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 incident occurred between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, causing fear and distress within the school community.”
The Diocese expressed deep worry over the safety of the abducted victims and extended sympathy to their families. It added that security agencies were promptly notified and had launched coordinated operations aimed at rescuing those taken.
The Bishop, according to the statement, assured the public that the church is working closely with security operatives, community stakeholders, and government officials to ensure the victims’ safe return.
The Diocese urged residents to remain calm, support ongoing rescue efforts, and continue to pray for the safe recovery of those abducted. It also reiterated its commitment to the protection of children in its care and pledged to provide further updates as verified details emerge.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” the statement added.
Friday’s incident follows a similar kidnapping in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were taken earlier in the week, heightening concerns over rising attacks on educational institutions across northern Nigeria.
In Kwara State, more than 50 schools were ordered shut on Thursday after bandit attacks triggered widespread fear.
The growing insecurity has prompted President Bola Tinubu to cancel his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola in order to coordinate the federal government’s response to the escalating crisis.
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