Gunmen launched an attack on a Catholic boarding school in western Nigeria, seizing over 200 schoolchildren and educators. The incident occurred at St Mary’s School in Agwara, Nigeria, as confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria. The abducted pupils and staff are currently being held captive, with efforts underway by authorities to ensure their safe rescue and return.
Among those abducted were four grandchildren of Dauda Chekula, aged between seven and ten, leaving families anxious for updates on their well-being. The Niger State Police Command reported that the abductions occurred in the early hours of the day, prompting the deployment of military and security forces to the area. St Mary’s School, identified as a secondary school, caters to students aged 12 to 17 in Nigeria.
Aerial images reveal that the school complex is linked to a neighboring primary school, boasting more than 50 classrooms and dormitories. Situated near a main road connecting Yelwa and Mokwa, the school fell victim to the abduction despite prior warnings of increased security threats. Local resident Umar Yunus highlighted the absence of official security at the school during the attack, which resulted in a security personnel being seriously injured.
These abductions follow a recent attack at a high school in Kebbi state, where 25 schoolgirls were taken, with one managing to escape later. In a separate incident in Kwara state bordering Niger, gunmen targeted a church, resulting in two fatalities and the abduction of 38 worshippers. Demands for a ransom of 100 million naira per person taken have been made by the kidnappers, prompting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to cancel his participation in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend the summit on the president’s behalf, vowing to utilize all available resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, it is noted that criminal gangs often target schools, travelers, and rural communities for ransom. These gunmen are believed to be former herders who turned to violence against farming communities following disputes over limited resources.