URGENT Appeal for Prayer and Solidarity – Abduction at St Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, Nigeria

URGENT Appeal for Prayer and Solidarity

Abduction at St Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, Nigeria

You may have heard the deeply distressing news of a mass abduction at St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria — a school operated by the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora.

On Friday, 21 November, armed men entered the school compound during the night and abducted 315 students and staff from the dormitories. These include very young children from the primary school. The scale and cruelty of this attack have caused profound shock and anguish among families, the local community, and the OLA Sisters who serve there.

Approximately fifty children managed to escape and have since been reunited with their families. The remaining 253 children and 12 staff are still missing, and there has been no verified information regarding their whereabouts, their condition, or the movements of those holding them. Read Full Letter Here: URGENT Appeal for Prayer and Solidarity

 

Update from the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) on St Mary’s Abduction Papiri

 

We are deeply grateful to AMRI and to all who have joined us in prayer following the abduction at St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.Your prayers and messages have meant a great deal to us and to the families who continue to endure days of fear and uncertainty.

In recent days, media outlets have reported that a number of the abducted children may have been released. These reports suggest that a group of pupils was received by officials in Niger State after renewed assurances from federal authorities that securing the safe return of the children and staff remains a national priority. For a community waiting in fear and hope, this development brings a measure of encouragement.

We await formal confirmation of this news and the details that are unfolding.We continue to pray for the community and the families in Papiri who are awaiting news of their loved ones.

We thank AMRI members for continuing to hold this situation before God. We ask you to remain with us in prayer for the safe return of every child and staff member who is still missing, and for strength and consolation for all who wait in hope.