On Mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including those from St Mary's Catholic School in Papiri

B100593/2025

European Parliament resolution on 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 the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Safe Schools Declaration endorsed by Nigeria in 2015,

– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas on 21 November 2025, armed gunmen attacked St Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting 303 students aged 5 to 18 and 12 teachers; whereas this constitutes one of the largest school kidnappings in Nigerian history;

whereas although 50 students escaped and 100 students subsequently were released on 8 December 2025, approximately 165 children and teachers remain in captivity under inhumane conditions; whereas two parents have died from distress;

whereas this attack occurred amid a wider surge in abductions, including kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on 17 November 2025 and 38 worshippers from a church in Kwara State; whereas at least ten school kidnappings have taken place in less than two years;

whereas mass kidnapping for ransom have become endemic in northern Nigeria, with at least 1400 children abducted over the past decade, whereas pervasive impunity has emboldened armed groups and criminal networks and restricted access to education;

whereas recent 2025 data indicate that kidnapping for ransom has evolved into a deeply entrenched criminal industry in Nigeria, with thousands of abductions recorded annually and ransom payments amounting billions of naira, whereas the security situation in Nigeria has been aggravated by an escalation of religious, ethnic and intercommunal violence;

whereas Christian communities in Nigeria have been systemically targeted by local armed militia groups as well as by transnational terrorist organisations; whereas these attacks led to destruction of churches, forced displacements and mass killings of Christians;

Strongly condemns the mass kidnapping at St Mary's Catholic School and all attacks targeting children, teachers and educational or religious institutions; expresses solidarity with the victims, their families, and the affected communities;

Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining abductees; calls on the Nigerian Government to take all necessary measures to conduct thorough and transparent investigation of these kidnappings and ensure safe return of all hostages;

Urges the Nigerian authorities to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration and to provide adequate protection for educational institutions; calls for comprehensive and coordinated security measures for schools in high-risk vulnerable regions;

Stresses the urgent need to take action against religious and ethnic violence to end the widespread impunity that has emboldened criminal and terrorist groups;

Calls on the EU and Member States to support Nigeria in strengthening child protection systems and enhancing community-based security structures and maintaining humanitarian assistance for displaced populations and victims of violence;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the Government and Parliament of Nigeria.