Fifty of the 303 students kidnapped from Nigeria’s St. Mary’s Catholic school have escaped, according to officials, with the remaining 253 students and 12 teachers still missing. Pope Francis condemned the kidnapping, urging their immediate release, while the Nigerian government has ordered the closure of schools in the region to prevent further attacks. The U.S. administration has criticized the situation, calling Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’ for violent extremism.
The students, aged 10 to 18, escaped individually between Friday and Saturday, according to the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state and the school’s proprietor. Authorities have not provided further details about how the children escaped or where the remaining students and teachers were being held. Additionally, officials from the Nigerian government have emphasized the need for increased security measures to protect schools and other educational institutions from potential future attacks.
The attack at St. Mary’s came just four days after armed men kidnapped 25 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State, killing at least one staff member. The search for the missing girls is ongoing, highlighting the worsening security situation across the nation. Meanwhile, 38 worshippers kidnapped during a deadly church attack in central Nigeria’s Kwara State have been freed, thanks to the efforts of security agencies. President Bola Tinubu credited these agencies but provided no further details on how they managed to secure the hostages’ release.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the Nigerian government has not taken full responsibility for the attacks, despite facing mounting pressure from both domestic and international critics of their security response. President Donald Trump has declared Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’ citing the increasing prevalence of violent extremism. However, the Nigerian government has disputed the U.S. claims, emphasizing that local authorities are working to resolve the situation. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of international actors in addressing security challenges in the region.
As schools remain closed in the region, the immediate focus has shifted to ensuring the safety of students and staff. The Catholic Church has issued a strong statement condemning the violence, and Pope Francis has called for immediate action to protect children in similar situations. The situation continues to weigh heavily on the families of the kidnapped students, who are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones’ safety.
In the meantime, the Nigerian government has pledged to enhance its security measures and investigate the attacks thoroughly. However, the lack of clarity on who is responsible for the kidnappings or where the remaining hostages are being held has left many concerned about the potential for further violence. This ongoing crisis reflects a broader pattern of insecurity affecting Christians and their institutions across the country, raising questions about the long-term stability and security of Nigeria’s educational and religious sectors.