UN Condemns Widespread Student Abductions in Niger and Kebbi, Urges Immediate Rescue Efforts

The United Nations has strongly condemned the abduction of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, calling for their immediate and safe release.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the incident as “heartbreaking” and emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces for learning. The abduction involved 303 pupils and 12 teachers, confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State.

Highlighting the urgency, Dujarric noted the attack occurred shortly after a similar abduction in Kebbi State. The UN, alongside UNICEF and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall, expressed solidarity with affected families and stressed the importance of fully implementing the Safe Schools Declaration to protect educational institutions in conflict-prone areas.