Niger state kidnapping: More than 200 pupils abducted from catholic school

The Christian Association of Nigeria said 215 students and 12 members of staff were taken during the raid on Friday.

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The latest attack targeted St Mary's School in Papiri, Niger state, where authorities had already ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools due to rising security threats.

The Christian Association of Nigeria said 215 students and 12 members of staff were taken during the early morning raid.

Nigeria has faced a renewed wave of attacks by armed groups in recent days, including the kidnapping on Monday of more than 20 schoolgirls, who the BBC has been told are Muslim, from a boarding school in neighbouring Kebbi state.

A church was also attacked further south, in Kwara state, with two people killed and 38 abducted while the service was being broadcast online.