Fifty Children Escape after Mass Kidnapping at Catholic Schools in Nigeria, 265 Still Held

The Catholic official emphasized that out of the 315 individuals initially reported abducted, 265 remain in captivity. He broke down the figure to 239 pupils, 14 students, and 12 staff members who are yet to return.

“We are providing these details to ensure complete transparency as we continue to work closely with parents, guardians, security agencies, and relevant authorities to verify and update all records,” Fr. Luka said.

St. Mary’s Catholic School complex hosts 430 primary pupils—377 boarders and 53 day students—and 199 secondary students, of whom 185 are boarders and 14 day students.

Fr. Luka said, “These details are important in helping the public understand the scale of the incident and the extensive efforts underway to account for every missing child and staff member.”

“We remain fully committed to the safe rescue of those still in captivity. We continue to collaborate with security agencies and relevant stakeholders, and we urge the public to remain calm, prayerful, and supportive as these efforts progress,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said.

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.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has expressed concern about the resurgence of violent insecurity in Nigeria following the recent abductions.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the Investiture of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) Nigeria, which the Grand Commandery of Abuja Archdiocese organized, Fr. Michael Banjo, described the escalating wave of kidnappings as “heartbreaking” and “a direct assault on human life.”

“In just the last few days, we received tragic news of insecurity on multiple fronts. It is heartbreaking to see all these happen in our country. This is an assault on human life,” Fr. Banjo said on November 22.

The Nigerian Catholic official noted that the rising cases of abduction, religious violence, land denial, and killings reveal a disturbing pattern of hostility against Christians and vulnerable communities.

“Priests, Seminarians, women and men Religious, and lay faithful have been kidnapped; many have been murdered. Churches are attacked, destroyed, and burned. Entire communities are displaced, People forced to abandon their ancestral homes, forced to abandon their livelihoods and live as refugees within their own country,” he lamented.

Fr. Banjo warned against politicizing the crisis or minimizing the lived experiences of victims. He emphasized that the protection of human life is the foremost responsibility of any government.

“The government has a duty, a sacred responsibility to protect all citizens. It is not optional; Christians have suffered greatly, but we also acknowledge that many Muslims have also been victims. Terrorism does not check baptismal certificates before attacking,” the Nigerian Catholic official said during the November 22 Interview.

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The Catholic Priest argued that Nigeria needs intelligence-driven responses rather than reactive condemnations.

“If the government cannot control the situation, there is no shame in asking for help from advanced nations, especially in intelligence gathering. Terrorists are not spirits. They live in specific locations. They move in large groups. They cross forests, villages, and towns. How is it that their movements are not tracked? These are honest questions the government must answer,” he said.

Despite the grim national mood, Fr. Banjo has a message of hope anchored in steadfast faith.

“Our hope is anchored in God, who is the God of the living, not the God of the dead,” he said.

Fr. Banjo invoked the intercession of St. Cecilia, saying, “She remained steadfast even in the face of death. Her courage should inspire us. Nigeria needs courageous Christians—laity, clergy, Knights—who will not be silent in the face of injustice and Christian persecution.”

Abah Anthony John contributed to the writing of this story.