On the mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including those from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri

B100590/2025

European Parliament resolution on the mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including those from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri

(2025/3029(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Nigeria;

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure;

Whereas on 21 November 2025 armed groups attacked St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting more than 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years;

Whereas approximately 50 children managed to escape shortly after the attack and Nigerian authorities have secured the release of around 100 abducted children, while others remain missing and at risk, causing severe anguish among families and communities;

whereas the attack on St Mary's school was preceded by mass kidnappings and killings at the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State on 18 November and on the Government Girls' Secondary School in Kebbi State on 17 November;

Whereas no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction; whereas criminal gangs and jihadist groups operating in northern and central Nigeria frequently kidnap civilians—particularly schoolchildren—for ransom. predominantly in Christian communities, resulting in 1037 students being kidnapped since 2020;

Whereas repeated mass kidnappings severely undermine children's right to education, and contribute to ongoing displacement and insecurity;

Whereas families, religious institutions, and local communities continue to call for greater protection, more transparency and accountability, urging authorities to rescue the remaining hostages and prevent further attacks;

whereas Nigeria continues to face a multifaceted security crisis marked by widespread violence, and is the most affected country in the world by violence against Christians with nearly 17,000 killings between 2019 and 2023, and over 7,000 victims already in 2025, along with thousands of kidnappings, attacks on churches, and destruction of villages;

Strongly condemns the mass kidnapping of schoolchildren in Papiri and all acts of violence, including religiously-motivated violence, committed by armed and jihadist groups in Nigeria;

Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all children and teachers still held captive;

Expresses solidarity with the victims, their families and the affected communities, and commends the efforts of those involved in securing the release of the children;

Urges the Nigerian government to intensify rescue operations, to enhance coordination with local authorities, to show more transparency and commitment towards the affected communities and to ensure that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice;

Stresses the need for strengthened protection of schools, particularly in regions vulnerable to attacks, and for investments in early-warning systems and community-based security initiatives;

Reaffirms the right of all children to education and safety, and warns that continued insecurity further undermines Nigeria’s social and economic development.

Urges the Nigerian government to take necessary actions to prevent violence against Christian communities which are specifically targeted by jihadist factions;

Calls on the EU and its Member States, together with ECOWAS and the African Union, to support Nigeria through humanitarian assistance, capacity-building for security forces, child-protection programmes, and assistance in targeting organised criminal and terrorist networks;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Government and Parliament of Nigeria.