Nigeria has been thrown into another wave of fear and heartbreak following the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The attack, which happened in the early hours of Friday, comes at a time when the nation is still grieving over the 25 kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State, many of whom remain missing.

The emotional weight of the incident has intensified national anxiety. Parents, community leaders and rights groups say the country is entering a frightening pattern where schoolchildren are repeatedly targeted without meaningful prevention.

According to early confirmations from local authorities and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, armed men stormed the boarding area of the school around 2 a.m. They abducted several pupils and staff members and shot a security guard who is receiving treatment. A number of children reportedly escaped into the bush in panic, and search efforts are ongoing to locate them.

This fresh attack has reopened wounds from the Kebbi tragedy, which happened only days ago and is still dominating national conversation. For many Nigerians, the Niger abduction is not just another incident. It feels like a continuation of a nightmare that refuses to end.

A Nation on Edge After Kebbi Trauma

The timing of this attack has made it particularly painful. Over the past week, families in Kebbi have been pleading for answers after gunmen abducted 25 schoolgirls during a raid on their boarding school. Videos of grieving parents, prayers in community squares and despair from relatives have flooded social media. Nigerians across the country have been calling for stronger action and accountability.

Now, the abduction in Niger State has deepened that sense of helplessness.

Parents of the new victims gathered in front of the school on Friday morning, crying, praying and hoping for good news. Community members said the sound of gunfire and the chaos of the night left the entire village shaken. For many residents, this is the most terrifying thing they have experienced.

Security operatives have been deployed to track the abductors, but the growing scale of these attacks has left people questioning how long the cycle will continue.

A Disturbing Pattern in Northern Nigeria

In recent years, several schools in northern Nigeria have been hit by coordinated kidnappings, and each incident leaves permanent scars on communities. The attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School now joins a long list that includes Chibok, Kankara, Tegina, and most recently Kebbi.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora released a statement expressing deep concern. It confirmed that the school had been attacked between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., describing the incident as painful and unacceptable. The Diocese called for improved protection of schools, especially those in rural areas that lack strong security infrastructure.

Parents of the abducted children say they feel abandoned. Many have not slept since the incident. Others are already drawing painful comparisons between their situation and that of the Kebbi families who have been waiting for days with no closure.

Community leaders in Papiri have appealed to the federal and state governments to act urgently. They fear that the longer the children remain with the kidnappers, the more complicated rescue efforts may become.

For now, the country remains on edge as search teams comb the forests and surrounding areas. The hope is that the pupils and staff will be found alive and reunited with their families.

But the emotional burden is heavy. With two major school abductions happening back to back, Nigerians are demanding answers, stronger surveillance around schools and a national strategy that genuinely protects children.

The coming days will be crucial as authorities intensify rescue operations and families wait for news that can ease their fear and heartbreak.