A total of 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still being held by the kidnappers. Pope Leo XIV stated during mass on Sunday: 'I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release.'

Security forces have launched operations to assess the situation and locate the missing pupils.

ABUJA: Armed men attacked a Catholic school in a western region of Nigeria and abducted several schoolchildren and staff early Friday, days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted in a…