Armed Groups Kidnap 52 Students, Teachers And Staff Of Catholic Schools In Nigeria

A group of armed gunmen kidnapped 52 students, teachers and staff from a Catholic school in Niger State, Nigeria, local TV station Arise News reported Friday.

State Government of Niger confirmed the kidnapping, but said the number of kidnapped students was still being investigated.

"The Niger State Government has received deeply saddened news about the kidnapping of students from St. Mary School," the statement said, adding the security agency was looking for the students.

Meanwhile, Kontagora Catholic Diocese condemned the kidnapping of 52 students, teachers, and a security officer from St. Catholic Elementary and Middle School. Mary in Papiri, Agwara Regional Government Area on Friday morning, quoted from Nigerian PM News.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Diocese of Father Jatou Luka Joseph, the Diocese stated that armed attackers stormed schools between 01.00 and 03.00 in the morning local time, causing fear and pressure in the school environment.

The Diocese expressed deep concern over the safety of their kidnapped children, staff and families, convincing the public they were working closely with security forces, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe release of the victims.

The Archdiocese appealed to the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue to pray that all victims of the kidnapping can be safely repatriated.

Previously, Nigeria had witnessed a series of attacks by gunmen, including the kidnapping of 25 students on Monday from a boarding school in the State of Kebbi.

The attacks have highlighted the insecurity in the West African country and forced the President of Tinubu Bola to postpone travel abroad.