Mass abduction shocks Nigeria: Bandits storm Catholic School, take 215 students and 12 teachers hostage

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the figures, with its Niger State chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, visiting the school and meeting families of the victims.

He said the association was coordinating with government authorities and security agencies to secure the safe release of those kidnapped, CNN reported.

In response to rising school abductions, the Federal Government has ordered the closure of 41 unity schools, while state governments in Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue and Katsina have also shut down institutions, Punch reported.

The latest attack occurred at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding facility in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area.

It follows the abduction of 26 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State earlier in the week.

A school source told Saturday Punch that the bandits stormed the premises while students were asleep.

The raid lasted about an hour before the attackers fled with the captives. Witnesses said the armed group arrived on roughly 100 motorcycles.

The Niger State government condemned the attack on the school.

"The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation," the statement issued by the government said.

"Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils. The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available," the statement said.