Pope Leo XIV demands immediate release of over 300 kidnapped school children in Nigeria

By Johnson Arua

Pope Leo XIV has issued a passionate appeal for the freedom of more than 300 students and teachers abducted in coordinated attacks on Catholic schools in Nigeria, expressing deep sorrow over the worsening wave of violence targeting churches and learning institutions.

Speaking during his weekly address, the Pope said he was “heartbroken” by news confirming that hundreds were taken by armed men in two separate incidents. “I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” he said, urging global solidarity with affected families.

Christian leaders in Nigeria say over 300 people were seized during raids on two schools. The first attack occurred at a secondary school in Kebbi State, where 25 girls were abducted. Days later, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s co-educational school in Niger State, taking dozens more students and staff.

The Pope called on the international community to join him in demanding the captives’ immediate release. “I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” he said, expressing “deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families.”

He also urged the faithful to pray for victims of the violence. “Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours, and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”

The recent attacks occurred around the same period a church in western Nigeria was invaded, leaving two people dead and several others abducted.

The surge in violence has heightened global concern, with foreign leaders warning about the increasing risk faced by Christian communities in the country. Nigeria continues to grapple with the trauma of the Chibok school abduction over a decade ago, when nearly 300 girls were taken by Boko Haram many of whom are still missing.