Nigeria Kidnappings

Armed men attacked St. Mary’s Catholic school in Niger State, abducting 303 children and 12 teachers — victims include pupils as young as five — and about 50 students escaped between Friday and Saturday, leaving roughly 253 students and 12 teachers still held, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria and school officials. Authorities have deployed tactical squads and local hunters, no group has claimed responsibility, schools across the state were ordered closed, and the Pope has publicly appealed for the hostages’ immediate release.