Nigerian authorities face mounting pressure after armed attackers seized more than 300 students and teachers from a Catholic boarding institution in Niger state, marking one of Africa's largest school abductions. The Christian Association of Nigeria revised its initial count upward to 315 captives after accounting for dozens who were caught while attempting to flee St Mary's School.
The incident represents the third major kidnapping within days, following separate raids that netted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state and 38 worshippers from a Kwara state church. Federal officials have ordered closures of nearly 50 national colleges amid escalating violence by militant organizations and criminal gangs across the country.
Washington has signaled potential sanctions and counterterrorism assistance while pressing Abuja to strengthen protections for Christian populations, though Nigerian officials dispute characterizations of religious persecution and point to broader security challenges affecting all communities.
The incident represents the third major kidnapping within days, following separate raids that netted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state and 38 worshippers from a Kwara state church. Federal officials have ordered closures of nearly 50 national colleges amid escalating violence by militant organizations and criminal gangs across the country.
Washington has signaled potential sanctions and counterterrorism assistance while pressing Abuja to strengthen protections for Christian populations, though Nigerian officials dispute characterizations of religious persecution and point to broader security challenges affecting all communities.
