Over 300 students abducted in Nigeria, UN warns schools must be protected

More than 300 students and teachers have been kidnapped in one of Nigeria’s largest school abductions, prompting renewed warnings from the United Nations to protect learning spaces.

The attack took place at St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State, where 303 students and 12 staff members were taken, according to updated figures from the Christian Association of Nigeria. Many of the children were reportedly captured while attempting to flee as armed attackers stormed the school.

The victims include boys and girls aged between 10 and 18. The scale of the abduction surpasses the 2014 Chibok kidnapping of 276 girls and comes just days after another incident in Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken.

Authorities have deployed security forces in an effort to track down the abductors, while Niger State has ordered all schools to shut until further notice. No group has claimed responsibility so far.

The United Nations condemned the incident, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said classrooms should remain secure spaces for learning, while the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, called the abduction heartbreaking and urged immediate action to ensure the safe return of all victims.