BREAKING: Over 300 schoolchildren have been abducted in an attack on a Catholic school in north-central Nigeria, authorities say.

 Here’s what the latest credible reports say about the incident:

---

What Happened

Gunmen attacked St. Mary’s School, a Catholic primary and secondary school, in the Papiri community of Niger State, Nigeria. 

According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers have been abducted. 

The earlier number reported was 215 pupils, but this was revised after a full census/verification. 

The children are aged roughly 10 to 18. 

A security personnel was “badly shot” during the attack. 

The attackers struck between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. local time. 

After the kidnapping, military squads and local hunters were reportedly deployed to look for the abducted. 

As of now, no group has publicly claimed responsibility. 

---

Why This Is Significant / Context

This is part of a wider wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly targeting schools. 

Such abductions are increasingly being used by armed gangs (“bandits”) to gain attention or ransom. 

According to UNICEF (via CAN), many schools in conflict-prone states lack proper early-warning security systems. 

The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of students in rural / remote parts of the country.

---

What’s Being Done

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora (which oversees St. Mary’s) says it is coordinating with government and security forces for a rescue. 

CAN is calling for calm and prayer, urging that security forces intensify their efforts. 

Local and national authorities have confirmed the attack and are under strong pressure to respond effectively.

---

If you like, I can pull up real-time updates (from verified international and Nigerian media) on the rescue / developments —