In a heartfelt plea from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV has called for the urgent release of students, clergy, and worshippers abducted in recent attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon. Addressing a gathering in St Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed deep sorrow over the escalating kidnappings targeting Christian communities.
The Pope’s appeal comes in the wake of a daring raid in Nigeria’s Niger state, where gunmen seized over 300 individuals from St Mary High School, a Catholic institution. While 50 have since escaped, the fate of at least 265 students and staff remains uncertain, according to Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Victims, aged between 10 and 18, are believed to be held in the dense forests bordering Niger and nearby states, areas known for the operations of armed gangs. Meanwhile, in Cameroon, six priests from the Archdiocese of Bamenda and a Baptist pastor were abducted in separate incidents.
Nigerian officials have yet to release updates on rescue efforts, and no group has claimed responsibility for these acts. “I feel deep sorrow especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families,” Pope Leo XIV lamented. He urged authorities to act decisively for the hostages’ liberation and appealed to the international community for prayers and support.
The recent abductions in Niger state follow another incident in Kebbi state, where 25 predominantly Christian pupils were taken. In a separate case, 38 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara state were freed after being kidnapped, an attack that resulted in two fatalities.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the release of hostages in Kwara and Kebbi, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring the safety of every citizen: “Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he stated.
Adding to the complexity, US President Donald Trump recently commented on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, suggesting potential military intervention, which has sparked global discussions.
Experts, like Confidence McHarry from SBM Intelligence, highlight the lack of justice as a catalyst for these crimes. “The absence of consequences is what is fuelling these attacks,” McHarry noted.
As a precaution, Niger state has shut down all schools, with federal authorities following suit in other high-risk locations. Kidnappings, particularly in Nigeria’s northern regions, have become distressingly common, with over 1,500 students abducted in the past decade, many only released after ransom payments.
The infamous 2014 Chibok kidnapping, where more than 200 girls were taken by Boko Haram, remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing crisis.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
