On 21 November 2025, armed gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community of Niger State, Nigeria, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed.
By 22 November, CAN raised the total number of abducted people to 315, saying the updated figure accounted for dozens of students who had attempted to run during the raid. “This now makes it 303 students (…) — 12 teachers, bringing the total … to 315,” the group said in a statement. Parents described scenes of chaos as attackers overran dormitories, banging violently on doors and dragging terrified students away.
Dozens Escape, Hundreds Still Held
On 23 November, CAN reported that 50 of the kidnapped pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and had been reunited with their families. “We were able to ascertain this when we contacted and visited some parents,” said Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN’s Niger State chapter.
Despite the escapes, 253 students and 12 staff remain in captivity, Yohanna confirmed, calling on Nigerians to continue praying for their safe release. International concern has grown rapidly, and Pope Leo appealed for the immediate release of the hostages, declaring during a mass in Rome: “I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages.”
The mass kidnapping has reignited national debate on Nigeria’s security challenges, especially around schools. Analysts say the incident is part of a troubling trend in which criminal and extremist groups target educational institutions. Since the 2014 Chibok abductions, school assaults have surged, with 92 attacks involving at least 2,500 students, according to recent analysis. The Niger State government has shut all schools “until further notice,” citing protection concerns.
