Abuja: Families of the children kidnapped from St Marys Catholic School in Niger State are still waiting for news as more than two hundred students remain in captivity nearly a week after the attack. Parents say they have received little information from the government or security forces about rescue efforts.

The attack took place in the rural community of Papiri where armed men raided the school and took away more than three hundred students and several teachers. So far around fifty children have managed to escape and return home but the majority are still missing.

Many parents continue to gather at the school compound each day hoping for updates. Some have expressed frustration and fear saying authorities have not explained what steps are being taken to bring their children home safely. One parent reportedly died after suffering a heart attack shortly after hearing the news of the kidnapping.

The government has declared a nationwide security emergency following the recent rise in mass abductions. Officials announced plans to recruit more police and deploy additional security forces to affected regions. Despite this announcement there has been no confirmed timeline for a rescue operation or negotiations.

This kidnapping is one of the largest in recent years and has renewed concern about safety in schools across northern Nigeria. Human rights groups say more protection is urgently needed especially in rural areas where armed groups have carried out repeated attacks.

Schools in nearby districts have been closed temporarily as a precaution. Church leaders and local community members have also called for unity prayer and government accountability.

For now families continue to wait hoping for a safe return of their children. Authorities say they are working on the situation but have not shared details publicly.

More updates are expected in the coming days as pressure grows from both local and international communities.