An alarming incident unfolded at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, when terrorists launched an attack in the early hours of a Friday. The invasion led to the mass abduction of no fewer than 215 pupils and 12 teachers, throwing the community and indeed the nation into fresh turmoil. Reports initially indicated that bloodthirsty assailants stormed the school around 2 a.m., firing shots into the air during their operation, which resulted in a significant number of students and staff being taken captive.

While an anonymous official from the Catholic Diocese of Kotangora initially reported over 300 students missing, it was later clarified that some pupils managed to escape the attack and make their way back to the school. The official described the scene, noting that some students bravely jumped over the school fence while the attack was still underway, with others taking cover in bushes and returning by 6 a.m. This terrifying experience highlights the extreme danger faced by those caught in such assaults.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, confirmed the gravity of the situation to reporters later that Friday evening. He stated unequivocally that 215 pupils and 12 teachers were confirmed to be in the kidnappers’ custody. Rev. Yohanna also shared that he had visited the school and met with the distressed parents, assuring them of ongoing efforts with the government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue and return of their children.

The latest mass abduction has severely escalated tension across Nigeria, leading to widespread fear and immediate repercussions for the country's education sector and public life. Many private and public schools have reacted by abruptly halting their terminal examinations and shutting down completely, fearing similar attacks. Notably, the Federal Ministry of Education officially announced the closure of 41 Unity Colleges nationwide on Friday night. In a similar vein, the governments of Plateau and Katsina states have also mandated the immediate closure of all schools within their respective jurisdictions. Furthermore, the pervading insecurity has led Nigerians to begin boycotting important public events, underscoring the profound impact on daily life and social gatherings.