Fifty Schoolchildren Escape Abduction in Nigeria, Over 250 Still Held Captive
Over 250 students remain captive after one of Nigeria’s largest school kidnappings, while security forces scramble to rescue victims amid growing attacks on schools and churches.
- Fifty of over 300 schoolchildren kidnapped in Niger State escape; 250+ remain captive
- Attacks target remote schools and churches, highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges
- Attacks target remote schools and churches, highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges
At least 50 of the more than 300 children kidnapped from St Mary’s Co-Education School in Niger State, Nigeria, have managed to escape their captors, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The abduction occurred on Friday when armed gunmen stormed the Catholic boarding school, taking 303 children and 12 teachers—one of the largest mass kidnappings in Nigeria in recent years. The students, aged 8 to 18, represent nearly half of the school’s total enrollment of 629 pupils.
The escapes occurred between Friday and Saturday, with the freed children safely reunited with their families. CAN chairman in Niger State, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, called on the public to continue praying for the safe release of the remaining victims.
The mass kidnapping follows a recent attack in neighbouring Kebbi State, where 25 girls were abducted, highlighting the persistent threat to schools in remote areas with limited security. Since the notorious 2014 Chibok abduction, Nigeria has faced repeated kidnappings by militant and criminal groups, often targeting boarding schools to demand ransoms.
The attacks have prompted widespread school closures and heightened security concerns across the nation.
Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep sorrow” for the kidnapped children and their families, appealing for the immediate release of the hostages.
The wave of violence coincided with attacks on a church in western Nigeria, where at least two people were killed and dozens were abducted. US President Donald Trump condemned the attacks, calling them “a disgrace” and hinting at potential military intervention to protect Christians in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed that security forces rescued 38 people abducted during a service at Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, though at least two fatalities were reported.
The situation underscores ongoing security challenges and the vulnerability of children and religious communities to armed groups across Nigeria.
