ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) – Gunmen abducted⁢ a total of 303 ⁤schoolchildren‍ and 12 teachers from st. Mary’s school, a Catholic institution in⁣ Niger state, north-central Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported⁣ on Saturday.This figure represents an increase from an ⁣earlier estimate of 215 schoolchildren.

The revised tally ⁢followed “a verification exercise and a final census” conducted at the school, ⁣according to a statement released by Most Rev. Bulus⁤ Dauwa‍ Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, after his visit on Friday. He further stated that⁤ an additional 88 students were taken captive while attempting ⁤to flee ⁢the⁣ attack. The abducted students include both boys and girls, ⁣ranging in age from 12 to ⁤18.

Background: School ⁤Abductions in Nigeria

Nigeria has experienced ⁢a surge in school abductions in recent years, frequently enough carried out by armed⁣ groups seeking ransom or to advance political agendas. ⁤ These attacks have sparked ⁢widespread outrage and raised concerns about the safety of children in the⁣ region. ⁣ The northwestern and north-central regions ⁣of Nigeria are⁢ particularly vulnerable to banditry ⁤and kidnapping. The Council on Foreign Relations’ Global Conflict⁢ Tracker details the escalating violence and its impact on ‍civilian populations.

The motives behind these abductions are complex, ranging from financial gain through ransom demands to broader ⁤attempts to destabilize the government. Some groups⁤ are also believed to be motivated by extremist ideologies. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its response⁤ to⁢ the crisis, ⁣with some observers calling for more robust security ‍measures and a more⁤ thorough approach to addressing the root causes of the violence.

Government Response⁤ and International Reaction

Nigerian authorities have launched search and ‍rescue operations to locate the abducted students and ‍teachers. Details of these operations are currently limited, ‍but officials have vowed⁢ to bring the perpetrators ⁣to justice.The ⁢Nigerian military has ⁢increased its presence in Niger state‍ and surrounding areas.

The attack occurred while Nigerian National Security ⁢Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was visiting the United States, where he met⁤ with U.S.Defense Secretary pete Hegseth on⁤ Friday. The timing ‍of the visit and ⁤the ⁢attack raises questions about the⁣ ongoing security ‍cooperation between the two countries. The U.S.State Department has condemned the abduction and offered ⁣assistance to the Nigerian government.

International ⁢organizations, including UNICEF and Save the Children, have also expressed their condemnation of the attack and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and teachers. They have also emphasized the need to protect schools and ensure that children can access education in a safe and secure environment.

Niger State: A Region Under Pressure

Niger State, one of Nigeria’s largest states by land area, has become a hotspot for banditry⁢ and kidnapping. Its proximity to the capital, Abuja, ⁤and its vast, sparsely populated areas make it