Mass Abduction Shakes Niger State: Over 300 Children Kidnapped

Over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were kidnapped by gunmen at St Mary's School in Niger state, Nigeria. This raises the previous tally of 215. Authorities are deploying tactical squads to rescue them. This incident follows a similar abduction in the nearby Kebbi state.

In a shocking turn of events, over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by armed assailants from St Mary's School in Niger state, Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria announced. This updated figure now replaces the earlier count of 215 schoolchildren.

The incident occurred in the remote Papiri community and was confirmed after a verification exercise conducted by the Most. Rev Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, who visited the affected school on Friday.

This mass kidnapping comes just four days after a similar abduction in nearby Kebbi state's Maga town, raising security concerns. While no group has taken responsibility, law enforcement has deployed tactical teams and enlisted local hunters to aid in the rescue efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)