Pope Demands Immediate Release Of 315 Abducted In Niger School, Others

A Cry for Justice and Humanity in Niger

The abduction of 315 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, has shaken Nigeria and reverberated across the world.

The attackers, arriving in force on more than 60 motorcycles and a van, stormed the school in the early hours of the morning, leaving behind chaos, fear, and broken families.

The gatekeeper was shot and left gravely injured, while hundreds of children and their teachers were dragged away into the night.

Pope Leo XIV, speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, issued a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages. His words carried both sorrow and urgency, as he lamented the anguish of the abducted children and their families. He reminded the faithful that schools and churches must remain sanctuaries of safety and hope, not targets of violence. His intervention underscores the global significance of this tragedy, elevating it beyond a local crisis to a matter of universal human concern.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the scale of the abduction after a verification exercise revealed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken, far higher than initial reports.

The incident is part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on schools and churches in northern Nigeria, with another abduction of 25 girls in Kebbi State and a deadly assault on a church in Kwara occurring within days.

These acts of terror have prompted international reactions, including threats of military action from U.S. President Donald Trump, who condemned what he described as the persecution of Christians by radical Islamists in Nigeria.

Local leaders have rejected claims that the school received prior warnings to shut down, calling such reports propaganda meant to shift blame. The Catholic Diocese, which owns the school, has emphasized its commitment to law and order, insisting that no such circular was ever issued by government authorities.

Parents, meanwhile, remain in agony, clinging to hope that their children will be rescued.

This crisis highlights the fragility of security in Nigeria’s rural communities, where schools are increasingly vulnerable to armed groups. It also raises pressing questions about the government’s preparedness and the effectiveness of its response.

The abduction of children is not merely a crime against individuals; it is an assault on the future of a nation.

The Pope’s appeal is more than symbolic. It is a moral demand for justice, a reminder that the world is watching, and a call to action for Nigerian authorities to prioritize the safety of their citizens.

The release of these children and teachers is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a test of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its most vulnerable. Until they are freed, the cries of Niger will echo as a haunting reminder of the urgent need for peace, security, and accountability.