US Condemns Mass School Kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger, Calls for Immediate Rescue
Story: Written by Zara November 24,2025
The United States has strongly condemned the recent abductions of students and teachers in Kebbi and Niger States, urging rapid action to rescue the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.
In a statement shared on X, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attacks as serious crimes that must not go unpunished. The US called on the Nigerian government to enhance security measures and protect vulnerable communities, including Christians.
“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, which occurred just days earlier,” the statement said.
“Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. Nigerians should be able to live, learn, and practice their faith without fear or terror.”
The Kebbi abduction occurred on November 17, when gunmen attacked the school in Maga, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku and abducting at least 25 students. Four days later, armed men raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State, kidnapping over 300 students and 12 teachers. So far, 50 students have escaped and reunited with their families.
These attacks mark a disturbing rise in school-targeted violence in Nigeria, echoing the 2014 Chibok abduction of 276 girls by Boko Haram
