The alarming surge of anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria has once again captured global attention as jihadists abduct students from a Catholic school.
Abductions in Niger State
Dozens of students were forcibly taken from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, Nigeria. This Catholic secondary school, catering to children aged 12 to 17, became the latest target amidst escalating attacks by armed men. Authorities had previously shut down boarding schools in the region due to increasing security threats. The abductions, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, have prompted military and security forces to intervene urgently in the area.
Local media reported that 52 schoolchildren were abducted. The incident adds to a growing list of kidnappings in Nigeria, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from a boarding school in nearby Kebbi state earlier in the week. These kidnappings are part of a troubling pattern of anti-Christian violence that has plagued the country, placing it under an international spotlight.
🚨 BREAKING: Nigerian gunmen have KIDNAPPED 52 Catholic school students, from St. Mary's in Papiri
There is a CLEAR genocide going on against Christians in Nigeria and it must be stopped.
Christianity is the most persecuted religion on Earth. pic.twitter.com/Bz0Hma6s2N
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 21, 2025
Ongoing Anti-Christian Violence
Nigeria has been experiencing a renewed wave of anti-Christian attacks. Earlier this week, gunmen attacked a church in western Nigeria, killing two people during a service that was being recorded and broadcast online. Many worshippers were also abducted during the violent incident. These events unfold as U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened military action in response to the targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.
The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated significantly, with armed gangs frequently targeting Christian communities. This troubling trend is not confined to Nigeria alone but is part of a broader pattern of anti-Christian activities spreading across Africa in recent years.
Root Causes of Insecurity
Analysts and residents attribute Nigeria’s escalating insecurity to a combination of factors, including rampant corruption and a failure to prosecute known attackers. Corruption hampers the supply of weapons to security forces while ensuring that armed gangs remain well-equipped. This imbalance leaves communities vulnerable to attacks and fosters an environment where violence can thrive unchecked.
Authorities in Niger state have expressed deep concern over the recent abductions, with the state government secretary, Abubakar Usman, confirming the unsettling news and acknowledging the ongoing efforts of security agencies to assess and address the situation.
The Islamic persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues.
This morning, Islamic gunmen stormed a Catholic school in Nigeria and KIDNAPPED 52 Catholic school kids from St. Mary’s in Papiri.
Christians are being GENOCIDED by Muslims and the media is too afraid to talk about it… https://t.co/yGwV5YKbYo
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) November 21, 2025
Global Implications and Response
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria, as these attacks highlight the broader issue of religious intolerance and violence. The repeated targeting of Christian communities raises questions about the effectiveness of the current security measures and the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
Efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, such as corruption and lack of accountability, are crucial to restoring stability and safeguarding vulnerable communities. The global community must work together to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and to promote religious tolerance and peace.