US Congressman Riley Moore has condemned the abduction of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The lawmaker described the incident as heartbreaking and declared that “enough is enough” in the face of alleged escalating violence against Christians in the country.
The attack, which occurred early Friday, marks the second mass school kidnapping in Nigeria this week.
Gunmen reportedly stormed the Catholic primary and secondary school, abducting an undisclosed number of pupils and staff.
Reacting to the incident in a post on his X handle on Friday, Rep. Moore, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, urged stronger efforts to protect Christians in Nigeria.
He wrote, “Heartbreaking. St Mary’s Catholic School in Nigeria was attacked overnight, with more than 50 students and teachers being kidnapped.
“Enough is enough. We must do everything we can to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Moore’s comment followed recent attacks and kidnappings in the Northern region, which have drawn international concern and renewed calls for urgent action to protect schools and communities across the region.
Friday’s Niger abduction follows another on Monday when gunmen invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, and kidnapped at least 24 students.
Kebbi State government said the attackers arrived around 4:00 a.m., firing sporadically before herding the girls into the bush.
The incidents come as US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” earlier this month for severe violations of religious freedom.
The president has threatened to withhold U.S. aid or even pursue military action if the crisis is not addressed.
The Federal Government has rejected the CPC label, arguing it is based on “faulty data” and emphasising the need for cooperation rather than threats to combat the violence.







