Armed attackers kidnap children from Catholic elementary school in Nigeria

The Diocese of Kontagora in Nigeria has described as “painful and disturbing” the Friday, Nov. 21, kidnapping of children and staff at St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, the diocesan secretary of the Nigerian episcopal see appealed for intensified national action against insecurity.

Father Jatau Luka Joseph said armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger state, in the early hours of Nov. 21, abducting “some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot.”

“The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., causing fear and distress within the school community,” he said.

“The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora strongly condemns the attack and expresses deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families,” Luka Joseph said.

Continued below.

Today’s attack on a Catholic school in Nigeria was much worse than initially thought. 215 children, mainly girls aged 12-17, were kidnapped Islamist Fulani militias are suspected of being behind the attack


215 Catholic Children & Teachers Abducted by Muslims in Nigeria – Visegrád 24 on X