Hussaini Ibrahim 
KANO, Nigeria – The United Nations condemns the abduction of hundreds of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, describing the attack as another grim escalation of insecurity in northern Nigeria.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric issued the condemnation on Saturday, calling Friday’s incident “heartbreaking” and insisting that schools must remain safe spaces for learning.
The attack, which follows a similar abduction in Kebbi State days earlier, has intensified concerns about worsening violence targeting children. According to the Christian Association of Nigeria, gunmen seized 215 students and 12 teachers during the early morning raid.
“We have witnessed yet another abduction of pupils in Niger State, just days after the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi,” Dujarric says.
On Monday, armed men invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting at least 25 students and killing a teacher.
Dujarric says the UN stands with UNICEF and Nigeria’s UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, in expressing sympathy to affected families. “Every effort must now focus on ensuring the children’s safe and immediate return,” he adds.
He stresses that the recurring attacks underscore the urgent need to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, which outlines measures to protect learning spaces during conflict.
In a related development, the AHR reports that the Federal Government has ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following fresh security threats. The Ministry of Education says the decision aims to prevent further attacks and safeguard students nationwide.
About the Author
Juliet Jacob 
