U.S. 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, describing the attack as “heartbreaking” and calling for stronger international action to protect Christians in Nigeria.
In a post on X on Friday, Moore wrote:
“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.”
Over 100 Feared Kidnapped
Although initial figures suggested about 50 persons were abducted, local authorities told SaharaReporters that the number could exceed 100, including both students and teachers. The school is a mixed secondary school with boys and girls.
The attack occurred just five days after terrorists kidnapped 25 girls from a government secondary school in Kebbi State, killing one staff member and injuring another.
Rising Insecurity Across States
The abduction in Niger State is the latest in a series of violent incidents. Earlier this week, terrorists also attacked Rogun Village in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, killing two security operatives in a fierce gun battle.
Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, has become one of the leading U.S. voices warning about what he calls a “genocide” against Christians in Nigeria.
In October, he urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing:
7,000 Christians killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone
Between 50,000 and 100,000 killed since 2009
Over 19,000 churches destroyed
On November 7, Moore introduced a congressional resolution condemning persecution of Christians in Nigeria and supporting the use of all U.S. diplomatic, economic, humanitarian, and security tools to protect them.
He also praised President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC, saying he was “proud to lead” congressional efforts alongside senior lawmakers.
Nigeria Rejects ‘Genocide’ Label
While Moore’s comments have gained support from religious advocacy groups, analysts argue that Nigeria’s violence is driven by a mix of factors—banditry, ethnic tensions, weak governance, and economic hardship—not only religious extremism.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of Christian genocide
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