Armed terrorists stormed a Catholic boarding school in Niger State early Nov. 21 and kidnapped an unknown number of students and teachers, local media reported.
The assault occurred at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Agwara Local Government Area between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., according to SaharaReporters. Officials have not released a headcount on those missing, and early estimates vary widely.
Bello Gidi, media aide to the Chairman of Agwara Local Government, told SaharaReporters that the attackers “kidnapped over 100 students and teachers” from the boarding school. Some community members told the outlet that “more than a dozen” children were taken, while Nigerian TV station Arise TV estimated as many as 52 students were missing.
According to the Associated Press, the Niger State Police Command stated that St. Mary’s educates students between the ages of 12 and 17.
Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago, the secretary to the Niger State Government, said in a statement posted to Facebook that his office “received with deep sadness” reports of the attack. He added that authorities are conducting an investigation and rescue operation.
“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils,” his statement read. “The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.”
The attack is the latest in a series of school and church attacks this week across Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted Christians.
Just days earlier, terrorists attacked the Maha Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State on Nov. 17, abducting around 25 students and killing at least one staff member, SaharaReporters reported.
Reuters reported that on Nov. 18, gunmen attacked a church in neighboring Kwara State, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor and 38 worshippers. Video footage of the attack, reviewed by Reuters, shows armed men entering the church and seizing worshippers’ belongings as gunfire erupts. A church official said the gunmen demanded a ransom of 100 million naira (about $69,000) for each abducted worshipper, the outlet later reported.
The international spotlight on Nigeria has intensified since President Donald Trump designated it a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing evidence of rampant anti-Christian violence by Islamist extremists.
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