Hussaini Ibrahim 
NIGER, Nigeria – Parents in Niger State intensify demands for swift government action after more than 300 students and 12 teachers are abducted from St. Mary Catholic Schools, Papiri, in Agwarra Local Government Area.
The mass kidnapping, which occurred on 21 November, heightens fears following the recent abduction of 26 schoolgirls elsewhere in the state.
Security sources confirm that about 50 students later escape, but the vast majority remain missing. On Sunday, distressed parents gather at the school for a documentation exercise led by local officials, many arriving from remote villages to register their children.
The school’s Director of Communication, Stephen Okafor, says the turnout underscores the severity of the crisis.
“Today’s registration shows clearly that families are desperate for answers. This tragedy is real, and the scale cannot be disputed,” he states.
Cleric Linus Arege reports that more than 215 parents and guardians have been documented to support ongoing rescue efforts.
Some parents express frustration over limited government engagement.
“We have waited for days without any clear briefing. These are our children, and every hour matters,” says Joseph Dimas, whose son Julius is missing.
Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, urges calm and assures families that security agencies are working to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers. The state government has yet to provide updates on rescue operations.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 