Kidnapping of Catholic School Students in Nigeria Sparks National Outcry

A group of students was abducted from a Catholic school in northern Nigeria, according to police, marking the latest in a series of violent attacks that have intensified fears among Christian communities across the region.

Authorities say armed men stormed the school during the night, overwhelming security personnel and forcing several students into waiting vehicles before escaping into nearby forested terrain. The exact number of those taken has not yet been released, as officials work to verify the identities of missing students and contact families.

The attack has triggered widespread outrage, with church leaders, local residents, and advocacy groups condemning the growing wave of violence targeting Christian institutions. Many have expressed frustration that kidnappings for ransom — once largely associated with criminal gangs — now appear increasingly intertwined with religious intimidation and insecurity.

Parents rushed to the school hours after the incident, some desperate for information, others pleading with authorities to bring their children home safely. Community members say the school had previously raised concerns about threats and the lack of adequate security in the area.

Police have launched a search-and-rescue operation in coordination with local vigilante groups and military units. Officials say they are committed to recovering the students unharmed, though operations remain difficult due to the region’s rugged terrain and the mobility of armed groups.

The government has faced mounting criticism for its inability to curb mass kidnappings, which have disrupted education across several states. Many schools in high-risk regions have been forced to shut down or relocate in recent months.

Religious leaders have called for stronger protections for Christian communities, warning that repeated attacks are fueling fear and displacement. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has urged authorities to take decisive action to prevent further tragedies.

As families wait anxiously for news, the incident has once again underscored the deepening security crisis gripping parts of Nigeria — and the increasingly heavy toll it continues to inflict on children.

Author: M.J