Pope Leo XIV has issued a passionate appeal for the freedom of more than 300 hostages abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” he said during his address on Sunday.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed on Saturday that gunmen seized hundreds of students and teachers in coordinated attacks on the school.
Expressing deep concern, Pope Leo said, “I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” while also lamenting his “deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families.”
He urged prayers for their safety, adding, “Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope,” as he concluded the Angelus prayer.
The incident unfolded early Friday morning when armed attackers reportedly invaded the school. Sources revealed that the assailants arrived in significant numbers, riding over 60 motorcycles and supported by a van. The school’s gatekeeper was shot during the raid and sustained serious injuries.
Local residents shared varying accounts, with one stating, “Yes, it happened between 3 and 4 a.m. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed.” Another source claimed that some teachers were also taken away by the gunmen.
The attack took place days after another kidnapping in Kebbi State, where 25 girls were seized from a secondary school. Additionally, a separate assault on a church in Kwara State resulted in two deaths and the abduction of numerous worshippers.
These events unfolded as US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning about potential military action, accusing radical Islamist groups of intensifying persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Updated Figures From Niger State
Providing new details on the abductions, CAN Chairman for Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, stated on Saturday that the number of victims had risen to 315, up from the initially reported 227.
He explained that the revised figures came after a meticulous verification process and communication with parents who initially believed their children had escaped.
According to him, the updated breakdown shows 303 students alongside 12 teachers (4 females and 8 males). Yohanna stated, “Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking about their children… we did a census and discovered that they were abducted.”
He clarified that the school had a total enrollment of 629 students before the attack, 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary.
Debunking Claims of Prior Warning
Yohanna also addressed reports alleging that authorities had issued a security warning before the incident.
“That is not true,” he insisted, condemning the circulation of what he called “propaganda” designed to shift blame. He emphasized that neither the school, the Catholic Diocese, nor private school associations received any such notice.
He stressed further, “The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese and not by any individual… Whoever made that misleading statement should know that it is a false allegation and should withdraw such or provide the proofs and evidence.”
Officials within the education sector, including the Education Secretary and private school associations, also confirmed that no circular or advisory was issued before the attack.
What You Should Know
The St. Mary’s school abduction is one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years, highlighting a worsening trend of attacks on educational institutions in northern Nigeria.
With 315 victims confirmed, mostly schoolchildren, the incident has drawn global attention, including a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV.
Despite circulating reports about prior warnings, church and education officials insist no alert was issued, fueling calls for stronger security measures and more coordinated government response.
