By Sabiu Abdullahi
Pope Leo XIV has appealed for the prompt release of 315 students, teachers and other members of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, who were recently abducted by armed men.
The Pontiff spoke on Sunday. He expressed deep concern over the incident, which involved students, teachers, priests and other members of the Catholic community.
In his words: “I received with profound sorrow the news of the abduction of priests, faithful, and schoolchildren. I make a heartfelt plea for the swift and unconditional release of all those being held.”
The attack reportedly took place in the early hours of Friday. Armed men invaded the private Catholic school during the operation.
Local sources said the attackers arrived in large numbers. They were said to be on more than 60 motorcycles and had a van with them. They forced their way into the school premises before carrying out the abduction.
During the assault, the school gatekeeper was shot. He was left in critical condition.A resident of Agwarra confirmed that the incident happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.
He added that the exact number of abducted students had not yet been fully verified.
As he put it: “It happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.. The number of students taken is still unclear.”
Another community source said several teachers were also taken during the raid. He said this has increased fears over the scale of the attack and the safety of those abducted.