Terrorists attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State early on Friday and kidnapped 215 pupils and 12 teachers.
The attack happened around 2 a.m. The gunmen shot into the air and forced their way into the school.
Many students ran into the bush to escape, and some climbed the fence to get away. By 6 a.m., some who hid in the bush returned to the school.
An official from the Catholic Diocese of Kotangora said over 300 pupils were initially missing, but some later returned.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed that 227 people 215 pupils and 12 teachers are still being held by the kidnappers.
He said he visited the school and met with parents, assuring them that the church, government, and security agencies are working to rescue the victims safely.
This latest mass abduction has increased fear across Nigeria. Many schools, both public and private, have stopped their examinations and shut down over fear of further attacks.
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the closure of 41 Unity Colleges nationwide. Plateau and Katsina State governments have also ordered the immediate closure of all schools in their states.
Authorities have begun a search operation to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.
