Fifty Catholic school students in Nigeria have managed to escape their captors, but the fate of over 250 others remains uncertain. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Catholic Church have confirmed the escape of these students, who were among more than 300 kidnapped from St Mary's School in Niger state on Friday. The school's Catholic bishop, Bulus Yohanna, reported that 253 students, along with 12 staff members and teachers, are still being held captive. This incident has sparked concern, especially as it follows a similar attack on a predominantly Muslim boarding school in Kebbi, where over two dozen schoolgirls were abducted by armed men last Monday. The Nigerian government has responded by ordering the closure of 47 colleges in the country's north and reassigning VIP bodyguards to core policing duties, acknowledging the inadequate protection in many parts of the country. The situation has drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump threatening military action against Nigeria over the failure to protect Christians. Pope Leo has also pleaded for the immediate release of the hostages, emphasizing the anguish of the families involved. The attacks have resulted in at least two deaths and have led to calls for improved security measures and a more comprehensive response to protect the general population.
