Shock as Armed Attackers Kidnap Children at Catholic Elementary, Senior Schools in Nigeria

Kontagora, 21 November, 2025 / 11:03 PM

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

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, the Diocesan Secretary of the Nigerian Episcopal See appealed for intensified national action against insecurity.

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

“The incident occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 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,” Fr. Luka said.

He said Security agencies were immediately informed and had begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of the victims.

The Local Ordinary of Kontagora, Bishop Yohana Dauwa Bulus, assured the public that the Diocese is “actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities.”

The Nigerian Diocese called on the public to “remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and quick return of all abducted.”

The Diocese has further reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of children and promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

The statement shared by the Diocesan Secretary reads, “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all danger. With prayers and sympathy.”

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation.

The insecurity situation in many other parts of the country has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.

The November 21 follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

On November 17, Fr. Bobbo Paschal was abducted from his residence when gunmen attacked St. Stephen Parish of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese. During the attack, numerous people were kidnapped, and Fr. Anthony Yero’s brother was killed.

The Nigerian Catholic Archdiocese on November 20 refuted circulating social media reports that Fr. Paschal had been killed.

On November 18, Bishop Bulus raised concern about the safety of children in the West African country following the November 17 abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

In an interview with ACI Africa, he described the incident as a tragic reminder that the country is no longer “safe for its children.”

Bishop Bulus described the abduction as part of an escalating wave of violence sweeping across Kebbi and parts of Niger State.

“It has never been this bad. People sleep in the bush because they have nowhere else to run,” he said.

On November 19, one of the 25 kidnapped girls escaped and is now safe, authorities confirmed. 

The student who escaped arrived home late Monday, November 17, hours after the kidnapping, according to the school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji.

As the international community expressed concern, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crisis Tuesday evening while departing the Papal Residence in Castel Gandolfo. 

Responding to a question from EWTN News, the Holy Father lamented the ongoing insecurity and called for renewed efforts to protect all civilians.

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“In Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians — but for all people,” Pope Leo said, adding, “Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered. There’s a question of terrorism, a question tied to economics and control of land.”

The Pope noted that many Christians have died and emphasized that any long-term solution must involve cooperation between religious communities, civil authorities, and the Nigerian government.

“It’s very important to seek a way… to promote authentic religious freedom,” he said..

In July, three minor Seminarians were abducted during an armed attack on Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi. All three endured months of torture despite pleas with abductors and the paying of ransoms.

Two of the Seminarians later regained their freedom, while the third died in captivity.

The U.S President, Donald Trump, recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move that the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, has said accords national leaders of the West African nation an opportunity for international collaboration rather than an act of hostility.

“Anyone who can support us with equipment and help our soldiers in their war against bandits should be encouraged. That is what Trump wants for our country,” Fr. Hyacinth Ichoku told ACI Africa on November 7, on the sidelines of the Veritas University’s 14th convocation lecture.