The United States has condemned the recent mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, describing the incidents—targeting hundreds of students and teachers—as unacceptable and calling for urgent, decisive action from the Nigerian government.
In a statement released on Monday, the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of school kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State,” the statement read.
The U.S. further urged the Nigerian government to bolster security around schools and vulnerable Christian communities, which have come under increasing assault by armed groups.
“The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”
According to Washington, safeguarding students, educators, and religious groups is essential to securing long-term peace and stability in the region.
50 Pupils Escape Niger State Mass Kidnapping
SaharaReporters earlier documented that 50 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, escaped from captivity and returned to their families over the weekend.
The escape occurred days after terrorists invaded the school and abducted 303 pupils, students, and staff in one of the largest school kidnappings recorded in recent years.
School authorities confirmed that the children fled between Friday and Saturday and returned home directly since fear prevented them from returning to the school premises.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Proprietor of the school, confirmed the development.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” he said in a statement signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori.
According to updated figures provided by the Bishop:
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251 primary pupils,
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14 secondary school students, and
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12 teachers
remain in captivity.
The Bishop noted that St. Mary’s has 430 pupils in total, 377 of whom are boarders. Aside from those who escaped, 141 pupils were not abducted.
“As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students—making a total of 253 children including 12 staff—still with the abductors,” the update read.
Kebbi Schoolgirls Also Kidnapped Days Earlier
Just days before the Niger State attack, no fewer than 25 schoolgirls were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The bandits, described as heavily armed, killed one school staff member and injured another during the invasion.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, condemned the attack and called for immediate action to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable,” the police statement read.
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