Nigerian security forces continue searching for 265 schoolchildren and 12 teachers following armed raids on educational institutions that prompted Pope Leo XIV to demand swift government action. Fifty pupils abducted from St Mary's School in Niger State managed to flee their captors, with Christian organizations confirming family reunions after the daring escape attempt. Authorities across five states ordered educational facility closures after separate incidents saw gunmen seize students from Catholic and Muslim boarding schools.
President Bola Tinubu canceled scheduled international travel to address the crisis, which eclipsed the notorious Chibok kidnapping that captured global attention over a decade ago. Criminal syndicates demanding ransoms have intensified operations despite legislation prohibiting payments, while government officials rejected assertions from American politicians claiming systematic persecution of Christians. Military units and civilian vigilantes are combing forests and remote pathways believed to be used by the abductors.
President Bola Tinubu canceled scheduled international travel to address the crisis, which eclipsed the notorious Chibok kidnapping that captured global attention over a decade ago. Criminal syndicates demanding ransoms have intensified operations despite legislation prohibiting payments, while government officials rejected assertions from American politicians claiming systematic persecution of Christians. Military units and civilian vigilantes are combing forests and remote pathways believed to be used by the abductors.
