Armed bandits struck at 2 a.m. on November 21, 2025, grabbing 303 pupils aged 10-18 and 12 staff from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria. The terrifying raid highlights a spike in violent school kidnappings gripping northern Nigeria.
Mass Kidnap Shocks Nation
Gunmen armed with rifles stormed the boarding school dormitories under the cover of darkness. Though some students fled, 88 of those escaped were quickly recaptured. In total, 315 people – including 303 boys and girls plus 12 teachers – were snatched before the kidnappers fled into nearby forests.
St. Mary’s Catholic school, run by the Diocese of Minna, caters to 629 pupils but had reopened against official orders. This reckless move exposed kids to grave danger, said Niger State Secretary Abubakar Usman.
State and Security Forces Scramble
- Police teams and local hunters have launched extensive search operations in surrounding forests.
- A joint military task force is combing the area, but no rescues have yet been made.
- Governor Mohammed Umar Bago demanded tighter patrols across vulnerable areas.
No terror group has claimed responsibility, but Islamist militants and armed herders are suspected amid escalating attacks in the region.
Nation Under Siege: School Attacks Multiply
This is the third major school kidnap in a week, following the abduction of 25 girls in Kebbi State where the vice principal was shot dead. On the same day, a church in Kwara State was attacked, killing two and abducting worshippers.
Experts warn of well-organised criminal gangs exploiting Nigeria’s weak security to carry out cross-state raids. With over 1,200 kidnappings in 2025 alone, schools remain prime targets.
Families Cry Out as Rescue Efforts Falter
“They are not doing enough. I do not believe in them,” said content creator Eze Gloria Chidinma, whose sister escaped the abbduction.
Parents gathered at the scene faced the harrowing sight of empty dormitories with belongings left behind. Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna confirmed the grim figures after a full census, urging calm and prayers.
Calls are growing for the government and military to up their game as the nation reels from a growing security crisis that disrupts education and shatters lives.
