The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has reported a violent overnight attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, resulting in “the kidnapping of pupils, students, teachers, and school personnel, as well as a security guard who was badly shot.”
According to the statement sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the armed assailants invaded the school premises between 1 and 3 a.m. on November 21, 2025, causing “fear and distress within the school community.”
The diocese strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped victims and their families. Security agencies were immediately alerted and have begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of all abducted individuals. The bishop assured the public that the diocese is working closely with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the release of the victims.
In the statement, the diocese urged, “the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and quick return of all abducted. It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting children and promised to provide verified updates as more information becomes available.”
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” the statement concluded.
Earlier this week, 25 schoolgirls were abducted from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, in north-western Nigeria, and the school’s vice-principal was killed during the assault.
In addition, a priest in the Archdiocese of Kaduna (Kaduna State) was abducted in the early hours of November 17, when armed assailants attacked the residence of a parish priest and abducted him; in the same assault, the brother of another priest was killed and others taken hostage.
