Gunmen Abduct 227 in Overnight Raid on Niger State School ¡

By Michael Ehindero

Nigeria’s insecurity crisis deepened on Friday as gunmen abducted 227 people during an overnight attack in Papiri, Niger State.

The assailants struck between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., storming St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, a boarding facility. According to authorities, 215 students and 12 teachers were taken. No fatalities were reported, though a security guard sustained gunshot injuries.

Police and military personnel have launched a joint search operation in surrounding forests and have pledged to secure the safe release of the victims. Officials say the attack bears similarities to previous kidnappings linked to ransom-driven criminal groups.

The Niger State government accused the school of disregarding earlier directives to suspend boarding activities due to escalating threats in the area. Meanwhile, families of the abducted continue to wait in anguish as public outrage grows over the recurring mass abductions.

In a post on X, U.S Congressman Riley Moore wrote:

 


Heartbreaking. 

St Mary's Catholic School in Nigeria was attacked overnight with more than 50 students and teachers being kidnapped. 

Enough is enough. We must do everything we can to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ.



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