Pope Leo has urged authorities in Nigeria to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of more than 300 students and staff kidnapped from a Catholic school in one of the country’s worst mass abductions in recent years. His appeal came during Sunday’s address in St. Peter’s Square, where he expressed sorrow over a rise in kidnappings affecting communities of faith across West and Central Africa.
The attack occurred on Friday when armed men stormed St. Mary’s School in northwestern Nigeria, taking students, teachers, and other workers. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that after conducting a detailed verification, the number of victims had been revised upward to 315, well above the initial estimate of 227. The kidnapping is the latest in a wave of school attacks that has prompted authorities to temporarily close 47 educational institutions seen as vulnerable.
Pope Condemns Growing Threat to Schools and Churches
Addressing worshippers at the close of mass, Pope Leo said he was “deeply saddened” by reports of kidnappings targeting priests, worshippers, and students in both Nigeria and Cameroon. He emphasized the emotional toll these attacks have taken on families waiting for news of their loved ones.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” he said. “I urge the relevant authorities to take timely decisions that will aid in securing their freedom.” He also called on the global community to pray for victims and insisted that churches and schools must remain places of safety rather than fear.
Kidnappings a Persistent Challenge in Northern Nigeria
Abductions for ransom have become a recurring threat in several northern states, where armed groups—often referred to locally as “bandits”—target schools due to their lack of security. The latest incident adds to concerns that communities, particularly faith-based institutions, are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
Security analysts note that Nigeria has struggled to contain armed criminal networks operating across rural areas, and international organizations have repeatedly urged the government to reinforce school security and negotiate the safe return of abducted children.
As local authorities continue search-and-rescue operations, Church leaders, civil society groups, and global observers are calling for a coordinated response to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of all those taken from St. Mary’s School.
Source:Africa Publicity
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