Pope Francis Calls for Immediate Release of Kidnapped Students and Teachers in Nigeria

Pope Francis has called for the immediate release of 265 students and teachers still held captive in Nigeria after 50 schoolchildren escaped. The abduction highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.

Fifty out of 303 children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state, Nigeria, have escaped and reunited with their families. The school authority confirmed this on Sunday. The children, aged 10 to 18, managed to flee individually between Friday and Saturday. Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state, shared this update.

The abductions occurred when gunmen attacked St. Mary's School in Papiri community, Niger state. The incident involved both students and teachers. No group has claimed responsibility yet, and authorities have not provided updates on rescue efforts. The school is near a major road linking Yelwa and Mokwa, an area where armed gangs often operate.

Kidnapping for Ransom

Kidnappings for ransom have become a significant security issue in Nigeria. Armed groups frequently target schools to gain attention. Since the Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping over a decade ago, at least 1,500 students have been abducted in Nigeria. Many were released only after ransoms were paid.

In a separate incident in Kwara state, 38 worshippers kidnapped during a church attack have been freed. Gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, killing two people and taking others hostage. Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq credited security agencies for their release.

Pope's Appeal

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness over the abductions and called for the immediate release of the hostages. During a mass at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, he said, "I feel great sorrow, especially for the many girls and boys who have been abducted and for their anguished families." He urged authorities to act swiftly to ensure their release.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also commented on the situation, acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in securing the release of some hostages. He stated that his government would continue working to free all captives.

Security Challenges

The recent attack in Niger state happened shortly after another incident in Kebbi state's Maga town, where 25 schoolchildren were abducted. Both states are part of northern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently use kidnappings to control remote areas with limited government presence.

Niger state has closed all schools following Friday's attack. Some federal colleges in conflict-prone areas across the region were also shut down by the Nigerian government as a precautionary measure.

Confidence McHarry from SBM Intelligence noted that while there's no direct link between US President Donald Trump's comments on "Christian persecution" and these attacks, the lack of consequences for kidnappers fuels such incidents. Arrests are rare, and ransom payments are common in northern Nigeria's hotspots.

President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to ensuring safety for all Nigerians. "Let me be clear: I will not relent," he said. "Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people."

With inputs from PTI