Pope Leo XIV has called for the urgent and unconditional release of 315 people abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Pontiff, speaking on Sunday, expressed deep anguish over the mass kidnapping, which involved students, teachers, priests, and other members of the Catholic community.

“I received with profound sorrow the news of the abduction of priests, faithful, and schoolchildren. I make a heartfelt plea for the swift and unconditional release of all those being held,” he said.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed men stormed the private Catholic school in a coordinated operation. According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding over 60 motorcycles and backed by a van, before forcefully gaining entry into the premises.