UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the attack as a “heartbreaking situation” during a briefing on Friday.

He stressed that schools must be safe places for children to learn. He noted that the incident came only days after armed men seized students in Kebbi State.

CAN Confirms Number of Victims

The Christian Association of Nigeria reported that gunmen took 215 pupils and 12 teachers from the school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

CAN said the attack deepened the fear already spreading across communities facing repeated raids.

Dujarric recalled that at least 25 students were taken on Monday from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi, where a teacher was killed during the assault.

He added that the UN stands with UNICEF and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, in their sympathy for affected families.

UN Urges Swift Action on Safe Return

Dujarric urged authorities and partners to focus on securing the immediate and safe return of the abducted pupils.

He noted that the string of attacks shows the need to fully carry out the Safe Schools Declaration.

The declaration outlines steps to keep schools and universities free from armed violence and to ensure students can access education even in conflict zones.

Federal Government Shuts 41 Unity Colleges

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges after the Niger abduction.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the closures are a response to rising security threats and the need to prevent further breaches.