By Fatima Mukhtar
Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has strongly condemned the federal government following the shocking abduction of over 300 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, saw heavily armed terrorists invade the school dormitories and classrooms, kidnapping students, teachers, and several non-academic staff. Initial reports suggested more than 200 were taken, but updated figures from local authorities and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) put the number at over 315 abducted individuals.
Reacting to the tragedy, Falz took to social media to express outrage, describing the repeated mass abductions across Nigeria as “insane” and unacceptable. He criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the worsening insecurity, calling on the president to take responsibility.
“Over a hundred abducted again in Niger just this morning. Do you know how insane that is?” Falz wrote.
> He added that the president had “failed woefully” on security and should “tender his resignation.”
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on education and the future of Nigerian children. Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has launched an investigation, especially after reports emerged that security agencies had previously warned the school about rising threats in the area.
Security forces have begun search-and-rescue operations, but families of the abducted students say they are in deep fear as negotiations or contact from the kidnappers remain uncertain.
This latest incident adds to the growing wave of school kidnappings in northern Nigeria, raising new questions about the country’s security preparedness and the safety of schoolchildren.
