The United Nations has strongly condemned the abduction of hundreds of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, describing the incident as a dangerous attack on education.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that schools must remain safe places for learning and urged urgent action to address the growing threat to students.
Dujarric noted that the abduction, which occurred shortly after another school attack in Kebbi State, represented a deeply troubling pattern. He described the situation as heartbreaking and called for stronger measures to protect children and teachers in vulnerable communities across the country.
The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed that 215 students and 12 teachers were seized from the school located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. The association expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of school attacks and demanded immediate government intervention to rescue the victims.
Earlier in the week, armed men attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting at least 25 students and killing a teacher. According to Dujarric, these recurring incidents highlight the urgent need to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration to safeguard educational environments during conflict.
He conveyed the UN’s sympathy to the families and communities affected, noting that UNICEF and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, had also expressed deep concern. Dujarric said all efforts must now focus on ensuring the safe and immediate return of the abducted students and teachers.
Following the latest attack, the Federal Ministry of Education ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges as a preventive measure. The ministry said the decision was taken due to rising security concerns and the need to avoid further breaches that endanger students nationwide.