315 Students and Teachers Kidnapped in Urgent Nigeria School Raid

BREAKING: A staggering 315 students and teachers have been abducted in the latest school kidnapping in Niger State, Nigeria, marking a devastating escalation in violence against educational institutions. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed this alarming figure early Friday, following a verification exercise that updated the previous count of 227 victims.

This mass abduction at St Mary’s School comes just days after gunmen stormed a secondary school in Kebbi State, taking 25 girls on Monday. The recent surge in kidnappings has raised serious concerns about the safety of students in Nigeria, where the number of victims in the latest incident represents nearly half of the school’s 629 enrolled pupils.

In response, authorities have ordered the closure of schools in neighboring states, including Katsina and Plateau, as a precautionary measure. The Niger State government has also shut down many local schools. Notably, President Bola Tinubu has canceled international engagements, including his attendance at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, to address the escalating crisis at home.

The urgency of this situation is heightened by a recent wave of violence, including an attack on a church in western Nigeria that left two people dead. These incidents follow a troubling pattern of abductions reminiscent of the infamous Boko Haram kidnapping of nearly 300 girls from Chibok over a decade ago, many of whom remain missing today.

The Christian Association of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the safety of its members and the broader community, stating, “The total number of victims abducted … is now 303 students and 12 teachers.” The emotional toll on families and the community is immense as they grapple with the fear and uncertainty surrounding these violent acts.

As the situation continues to develop, residents and officials are calling for immediate action to secure the release of the victims and to enhance security measures in schools across Nigeria. The international community is also watching closely, with heightened awareness of the plight of Christians and other vulnerable populations in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities work to address this urgent crisis and protect innocent lives.