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Nigeria school abductions triggered renewed alarm on Friday after armed assailants stormed a Catholic boarding school in western Nigeria. The incident followed two major kidnappings in neighboring states and deepened concerns about growing insecurity across the region. Authorities now face pressure to respond quickly as communities struggle with repeated attacks on children and worshippers.
Armed group raids St. Mary’s School
Attackers entered St. Mary’s School in Papiri around 2 a.m. and seized students and staff. Local broadcaster Arise TV reported 52 abducted children, although officials have not confirmed this figure. Military teams reached the school shortly after the attack and began search operations across nearby routes.
Satellite images show that St. Mary’s stands beside its primary school building and rests near the busy Yelwa–Mokwa road. The location increases traffic exposure and, according to some residents, elevates security risks.
Officials say school ignored warnings
Niger State Government Secretary Abubakar Usman said he warned schools about rising threats. He ordered temporary closure of boarding facilities and suspension of construction projects. However, he stated that St. Mary’s reopened without approval and “placed children in avoidable danger.”
Usman urged school leaders and community heads to follow security directives. He stressed that the administration prioritizes children’s safety and plans stronger coordination with local partners.
Residents such as Umar Yunus said only local guards protected the school during the attack. They reported no official security personnel at the compound.
Earlier kidnapping in Kebbi shocks communities
Only days earlier, gunmen raided a girls’ secondary school in Kebbi State, about 170 km away. They kidnapped 25 female students and killed the vice-principal. One girl escaped and received medical care.
Kebbi First Lady Nasare Muhammed Nasir condemned the tragedy and called it “a painful reminder of national challenges.” She supported Gov. Mohammed Nasir Idris during his rescue efforts.
Governor accuses agencies of ignoring intelligence
Gov. Idris said his team received DSS intelligence predicting an attack on the Kebbi school. He said security agencies failed to enforce promised 24-hour protection, which he described as “clear sabotage.” Premium Times reported that he delivered these remarks during his visit to the school grounds.
New church attack deepens crisis
On Monday, armed men attacked a church in Kwara State, killed two worshippers, and abducted 38 churchgoers. Church official Femi Agbabiaka said the attackers demanded 100 million naira per hostage.
These repeated assaults show how Nigeria school abductions now form part of a wider pattern of violent raids.
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