Over 200 Christians were murdered by Islamist militants in Nigeria on June, 13, 2025. / Credit: Red Confidential/Shutterstock
ACI Africa, Nov 21, 2025 / 17:20 pm (CNA).
The Diocese of Kontagora in Nigeria has described as "painful and disturbing" the Friday, Nov. 21, kidnapping of children and staff at St. Mary's Catholic Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, the diocesan secretary of the Nigerian episcopal see appealed for intensified national action against insecurity.
Father Jatau Luka Joseph said armed attackers invaded St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger state, in the early hours of Nov. 21, abducting "some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot."
"The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., causing fear and distress within the school community," he said.
"The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora strongly condemns the attack and expresses deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families," Luka Joseph said.
He added that security agencies were immediately informed and had begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of the victims.
Bishop Bulus Yohana Dauwa assured the public that the Kontagora Diocese is "actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities."
The diocese called on the public to "remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and quick return of all abducted." It further reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of children and promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.
The statement shared by the diocesan secretary reads: "May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all danger. With prayers and sympathy."
Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.
Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation.
The insecurity situation in many other parts of the country has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.
The Nov. 21 attack and kidnappings follow a series of other abductions that have targeted members of the clergy in Africa's most populous nation.
On Nov. 17, Father Bobbo Paschal was abducted from his residence when gunmen attacked St. Stephen Parish of Kaduna Archdiocese. During the attack, numerous people were kidnapped, and the brother of one priest, Father Anthony Yero, was killed.
The archdiocese on Nov. 20 refuted circulating social media reports that Paschal had been killed.
On Nov. 18, Dauwa raised concerns about the safety of children in the West African country following the Nov. 17 abduction of 25 school girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi state.
In an interview with ACI Africa, he described the incident as a tragic reminder that the country is no longer "safe for its children."
Dauwa described the abduction as part of an escalating wave of violence sweeping across Kebbi and parts of Niger state. "It has never been this bad. People sleep in the bush because they have nowhere else to run," he said.
On Nov. 19, one of the 25 kidnapped girls escaped and is now safe, authorities have confirmed, according to ACI Africa.
The student who escaped arrived home late Monday evening, hours after the kidnapping, according to the school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji.
As the international community expressed concern, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crisis Tuesday evening while departing the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
Responding to a question from EWTN News, the Holy Father lamented the ongoing insecurity and called for renewed efforts to protect all civilians.
"In Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians — but for all people," Pope Leo said, adding: "Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered. There's a question of terrorism, a question tied to economics and control of land."
The pope noted that many Christians have died and emphasized that any long-term solution must involve cooperation between religious communities, civil authorities, and the Nigerian government.
"It's very important to seek a way… to promote authentic religious freedom," he said.
In July, three minor seminarians were abducted during an armed attack on Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria's Diocese of Auchi. All three endured months of torture despite pleas with abductors and the paying of ransoms. Two of the seminarians later regained their freedom, while the third died in captivity.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern (CPC) — a move that Father Hyacinth Ichoku, the vice chancellor of Veritas University in Abuja, said accords national leaders of the West African nation an opportunity for international collaboration rather than an act of hostility.
"Anyone who can support us with equipment and help our soldiers in their war against bandits should be encouraged. That is what Trump wants for our country," Ichoku told ACI Africa on Nov. 7 during Veritas University's 14th convocation lecture.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.
