A tragic wave of school kidnappings in Nigeria has once again captured global attention as Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt appeal for the release of more than 260 students and teachers still held captive following a mass abduction in Niger State. The plea came after 50 abducted pupils managed to escape, shedding light on one of the country’s most pressing security crises.
What Exactly Happened
On Thursday and Friday, armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in the rural community of Papiri, Niger State, abducting 303 students—aged between 10 and 18—along with 12 teachers. The attackers, operating near forested areas often used as hideouts by armed gangs, forced the victims into the bush and moved them toward remote terrain where rescue operations are difficult.
Between Friday night and Saturday, 50 of the kidnapped students escaped, returning to their families after fleeing captivity individually. Their escape has brought a mix of relief and renewed urgency, with 253 students and all 12 teachers still unaccounted for. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed these numbers and emphasized the scale of the crisis.
The Pope’s Appeal
During Mass at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the abductions and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages. He urged the kidnappers to show compassion and appealed to Nigerian authorities to take “appropriate and timely decisions” to secure their freedom. He also prayed that schools and churches—often targets of armed groups—might once again “remain places of safety and hope.”
His statement adds powerful moral pressure as global concern grows over the escalating pattern of mass school kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
A Growing Crisis in Nigeria
This incident is part of a disturbing trend. Since the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, more than 1,500 students have been abducted across Nigeria. Criminal gangs—known locally as “bandits”—often kidnap children for ransom, exploiting remote locations where security forces have limited presence.
In response to the latest attack, Niger State authorities have temporarily shut down schools in the region as a security precaution.
Why This Matters
The kidnapping at St. Mary’s Catholic School underscores the ongoing struggle to protect children and educators in regions plagued by instability. It also highlights the emotional and psychological toll on families who remain in agonizing uncertainty as they wait for updates on their loved ones.
The Pope’s intervention reflects the severity of the crisis and adds global urgency to the call for action. His message resonates deeply across faith communities and emphasizes the universal right of children to safety, education, and dignity.
Looking Ahead
As Nigerian authorities continue search and rescue operations, international observers, religious leaders, and local communities alike are watching closely. The safe return of the remaining 265 hostages remains the foremost priority. But the broader challenge is clear: ensuring that schools in Nigeria no longer stand at the front lines of insecurity.
References
Associated Press (AP News). (2025, Nov 23). Pope calls on kidnappers in Nigeria to free 265 students and teachers after some pupils escape.
https://apnews.com/article/27b48d3b2e83c3822ef1e40a6a270639
Politico. (2025, Nov 23). Pope calls on kidnappers in Nigeria to free 265 students and teachers after 50 pupils escape.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/23/pope-abductions-nigeria-children-00666481
Reuters. (2025, Nov 23). Pope Leo appeals for release of 315 kidnapped from Nigeria school.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-leo-appeals-release-315-kidnapped-nigeria-school-2025-11-23
PBS NewsHour. (2025, Nov 23). Pope calls on kidnappers to free 265 Nigerian students and teachers after 50 pupils escape.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/pope-calls-on-kidnappers-to-free-265-nigerian-students-and-teachers-after-50-pupils-escape
WRAL / AP News Syndication. (2025, Nov 23). Pope calls on kidnappers in Nigeria to free 265 students and teachers after 50 pupils escape.
https://www.wral.com/news/ap/27b48-pope-calls-on-kidnappers-in-nigeria-to-free-265-students-and-teachers-after-50-pupils-escape
Times Union. (2025, Nov 23). 50 schoolchildren escape captivity in Nigeria; officials shut down schools.
https://www.timesunion.com/news/world/article/50-schoolchildren-escape-captivity-in-nigeria-21203527.php
Vatican News. (2025, Nov 23). Pope Leo XIV appeals for release of kidnapped Nigerian students and teachers.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-angelus-kidnap-hostages-priests-school-nigeria-cameroon.html
