UISG Stands in Solidarity with the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles After Abduction at St. Mary’s Schools in Papiri, Nigeria

Rome, 21 November 2025 - The International Union of Superiors General, expresses her deep concern and spiritual closeness to the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles following the abduction of pupils, students, and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Nigeria.

According to information shared by the OLA Congregation, armed individuals entered the school community in the early hours of 21 November and forcibly took several children and staff members.

The schools belong to the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and are directed and administered by the OLA Sisters. The incident has caused profound distress among families, the local community, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna and diocesan clergy, and the OLA Sisters both in Nigeria and worldwide.

UISG joins the OLA Sisters in calling the global Religious family to prayer at this critical moment. We invite all Congregations and communities to unite their voices:

•    Praying for the safe and swift return of those abducted.
•    Holding in prayer the families and community of Papiri, who are suffering immeasurably.
•    Asking for protection and peace for all people in Nigeria, who continue to face increasing insecurity.
•    Imploring an end to violence and the restoration of justice and dignity.

UISG reaffirms its belief in the strength of global solidarity and the transformative power of shared prayer. As we stand with the OLA Sisters and the people of Papiri, we entrust this painful situation to God’s care and mercy.