Pope Leo XIV has urged the swift release of more than 300 students and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Niger State, calling the mass abduction “a heartbreaking tragedy.”
“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings… I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” the Pope said on Sunday.
The attackers stormed the boarding school between 3 and 4 a.m. on Friday, arriving on more than 60 motorcycles and a van.
They shot the gatekeeper and forced students, teachers, and staff into the forest.
Church officials later confirmed 315 people were taken one of Nigeria’s largest school kidnappings in years.
Photos from the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, show deserted bunks and scattered belongings inside the dormitories.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), who run the school, described the attack as a “critical and painful moment” and appealed for global prayers.
“We need as many people as possible to lift this community before God,” said Sr. Mary T. Barron, leader of the OLA congregation in Rome.
Bishop Yohanna dismissed claims that the school had been warned.
“We did not receive any circular. It’s an attempt to shift blame,” he said, assuring the public that the Church is cooperating with security agencies.
No group has claimed responsibility, but security forces have launched a search-and-rescue operation across the Agwarra region.
The Church is calling for urgent international pressure and continuous prayers as families wait helplessly for the safe return of their children.
