Catholic Diocese Condemns Abduction of Schoolchildren in Niger State, Raises Safety Concerns
The
Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has strongly condemned the recent abduction of
pupils, students, and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary
Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
This tragic incident, which occurred in November 2025, has heightened fears about the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s northern region.
The
attack is part of a disturbing pattern of abductions targeting schools, with
the Niger State incident coming just days after 25 schoolgirls were forcibly
taken from their school in Kebbi State.
The
Diocese expressed deep sorrow over the trauma inflicted on the victims and
their families, emphasizing that such acts of violence not only violate human
dignity but also undermine the fundamental right to education.
Church
leaders have raised urgent concerns about the safety of children and educators
in rural communities, calling on government authorities to intensify security
measures around schools. They stressed that the repeated targeting of
educational institutions threatens the future of young Nigerians and erodes public
confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
The
Diocese’s statement reflects broader anxieties across Nigeria, where abductions
by armed groups have become a recurring crisis.
Communities
in Niger State and beyond are demanding stronger action from security agencies,
including improved intelligence gathering, rapid response mechanisms, and
collaboration with local stakeholders to safeguard vulnerable populations.
This
latest abduction underscores the fragility of security in the region and the
urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of
violence.
The
Catholic Diocese’s condemnation serves as both a moral rebuke and a rallying
cry for collective action to ensure that schools remain sanctuaries of learning
rather than targets of terror.
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