In a devastating overnight attack, armed gunmen invaded St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, abducting numerous pupils, students, teachers and staff members. The violent incident has left the educational community in shock and distress.
Timeline of the Attack
The armed invasion occurred during the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, with the attack taking place between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Witnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the school premises, targeting both the primary and secondary school sections simultaneously.
Among those abducted were several pupils from the primary school, students from the secondary school, multiple teachers, and a security personnel who sustained serious injuries during the confrontation. The exact number of victims remains unconfirmed as authorities continue their assessment of the situation.
Diocese Response and Condemnation
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has strongly condemned the brazen attack on the educational institution. In an official statement released through Fr Jatau Luka Joseph, the Diocesan Secretary, the diocese expressed profound concern for the safety and wellbeing of the abducted children and their families.
"The Diocese is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils, students, teachers, and staff," Fr Jatau stated. "We urge the public to remain calm and support the ongoing security efforts."
Security Operations Underway
Security agencies were immediately alerted following the attack and have launched coordinated rescue operations to locate and safely recover all abducted individuals. Multiple security units are working in collaboration to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims.
The Diocese confirmed that security forces are working diligently around the clock, utilizing all available resources to bring the abducted students and staff back to safety. The operations involve both ground troops and intelligence gathering efforts.
Call for Vigilance and Prayer
In addition to the security response, the Diocese has appealed to the public for spiritual support and increased vigilance. Fr Jatau emphasized the importance of community cooperation during this challenging time.
"May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger," he added. "We will provide further updates as verified information becomes available."
The Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of children and educational institutions, while calling for intensified prayers for the safe and swift return of all those taken during the terrifying incident.
