A nun from Nigeria has revealed that hundreds of children, including those as young as 5 years old, were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community. Reports indicate that 50 students managed to escape their captors, while the remaining 253 students and 12 teachers are still missing.
The incident has sparked global concern over the safety of children in Nigeria, where violence against Christian communities has been a growing issue. Many of the kidnapped children are from primary school, highlighting the vulnerability of young students in a region with limited educational resources.
The nun, who is part of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, emphasized the urgency of mobilizing resources to rescue the remaining captives. She believes that a concerted effort with adequate resources could lead to the successful recovery of all the children.
President Donald Trump has previously labeled Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’ due to the rising violence against Christians. However, the Nigerian government has disputed these claims, leading to diplomatic tensions. The situation has also prompted discussions about the need for increased international support and intervention.
Authorities have stated that tactical squads and local hunters are working to locate the kidnapped children. The lack of a clear motive and the absence of a claim of responsibility from any group have added to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in combating terrorism and ensuring the security of its citizens. The international community is now urged to provide assistance and support to address these pressing issues.