Pope Calls for Immediate Release of Nigerian School Hostages
Fifty of the 303 students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, Nigeria, have escaped and returned home. However, 253 pupils and 12 teachers remain captive. Authorities and religious leaders are calling for urgent action to secure their release.
Partial Escape Offers Relief to Families
Fifty children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State have now returned safely to their families. Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the school’s proprietor and chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State, confirmed that the escapes happened individually between Friday and Saturday.
“These children are now with their families, bringing some relief to parents and communities,” Yohanna said. He added that 253 students and 12 teachers are still in captivity.
Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Hostages’ Release
During Sunday mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV spoke of his deep sorrow over the abduction. He urged the immediate release of the remaining students and staff.
“I feel great sorrow for the many girls and boys who have been abducted and for their anguished families,” the pope said. “I make a heartfelt appeal for their immediate release and urge authorities to take prompt action to ensure their safety.”
Details of the Abduction
The kidnapping occurred on Friday at St. Mary’s School in Papiri, a remote community along a main road connecting Yelwa and Mokwa. Armed gunmen seized students and teachers.
No group has claimed responsibility. Authorities have not disclosed the hostages’ location or details of ongoing rescue efforts.
The region is known for armed gangs that operate from forests spanning several states. These gangs often target schools, seeing them as strategic sites to gain attention and demand ransoms.
Rising School Kidnappings in Northern Nigeria
School abductions have become a major security concern in Nigeria. Since the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping, more than 1,500 students have been abducted nationwide. Many were released only after ransoms were paid.
The Niger State incident happened just four days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga town, Kebbi State, about 170 kilometers from the Niger State school. Both areas are northern states where weak security allows armed gangs to operate with little risk of arrest.
After the attack, Niger State authorities closed all schools. Federal colleges in conflict-prone regions also suspended classes.
Regional and International Context
These kidnappings occur amid political discussions around religious tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump recently referenced claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria. However, attacks have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities. The Kebbi State abduction took place in a Muslim-majority town.
Confidence McHarry, a security analyst at Lagos-based SBM Intelligence, noted that the attacks are fueled more by the absence of consequences than by political statements. “The lack of accountability is what continues to drive these attacks,” McHarry said.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Response
Authorities and community leaders are urging prayers and coordinated efforts to secure the hostages’ release. Yohanna encouraged the public to remain vigilant and hopeful.
“While we welcome the return of the 50 children, we continue to pray for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims,” he said.
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