A violent attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Nigeria has resulted in the kidnapping of 315 students and staff members, the Department of Security announced yesterday. Initial reports indicated a large-scale incident, but new figures reveal that the number of those abducted is significantly higher. The victims, primarily girls aged 12 to 17, were taken from the school premises in an incident that has alarmed local authorities and the international community.
The attack is suspected to be carried out by Islamist Fulani militias, a group involved in ongoing conflicts and violence in the region. Nigerian authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the abductors, but the suspicion against Fulani militants aligns with previous incidents targeting educational institutions in Nigeria’s northern regions. The government has condemned the attack, promising to deploy additional forces to locate and rescue the victims.
This incident has heightened concerns about security in Nigeria’s education sector, which has seen multiple attacks in recent years. Local communities and international observers have called for increased safety measures and a swifter response to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped children and staff. The Nigerian government and security agencies continue to investigate the attack, amid ongoing efforts to counter violence linked to armed groups in the region.