Nigeria: mass kidnapping from a Catholic school
On 21 November, at St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state, more than three hundred students were abducted in a mass kidnapping - the worst such attack recorded against a Catholic school in the region. Although fifty children managed to escape and have been reunited with their families, 253 students and twelve staff members remain captive. Parents of missing children are traumatised, anxiously searching for any sign of their loved ones. This kidnapping follows several recent attacks, including the abduction of over two dozen schoolgirls in Kebbi and of 38 people attending a church service in Kwara state (though these have now been rescued). These incidents come only a few weeks after Donald Trump spoke of ‘Christian genocide’, which the government denied (see) President Bola Tinubu has reassigned VIPs' bodyguards to core policing duties and ordered the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers, acknowledging that ‘many parts of Nigeria’ are not adequately policed. Church leaders and global voices, including the Pope, have called for urgent action to rescue the hostages and restore safety for Nigeria’s citizens. Many feel that the West doesn’t seem to care about this ongoing level of terrorism: see
Nigeria: danger of mass starvation in 2026
Northern Nigeria is facing a rapidly escalating hunger emergency as militant attacks make it too dangerous for farmers to work their land. According to a new World Food Programme (WFP) report, Nigeria is on track to experience the worst-ever food crisis in Africa next year, with an estimated 35 million people expected to suffer severe hunger. In Borno state, the centre of ongoing insurgencies, at least 15,000 people are projected to face catastrophic hunger including famine-like conditions, as it is now classified at the highest level of food crisis severity. Violence from armed groups has spread, including recent kidnappings and the arrival of an al-Qaeda-linked faction claiming attacks in Nigeria for the first time. The crisis has been intensified by a major reduction in humanitarian aid following Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw US funding from the WFP. Without renewed support, millions may be left without critical food assistance, deepening instability and human suffering across the region.
Hong Kong: at least 83 dead in devastating tower block fire
A devastating blaze has engulfed a residential development in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, rapidly spreading across multiple tower blocks despite the efforts of more than a hundred fire engines. The alert was raised to the highest emergency level as reports emerged of residents trapped inside or stranded on rooftops. At least 83 people have lost their lives, including a firefighter who died while attempting rescue, and over 270 others remain unaccounted for. Many tenants said fire alarms failed to sound, leaving them unaware of the danger until smoke and flames were already advancing. The fire began on bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings and intensified quickly as burning debris fell and structures ignited. Nearby roads were closed and shelters opened as emergency crews worked into the night to contain the fire and care for displaced families. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the area while investigations continue into the cause and building safety systems. Latest news: three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to inflammable materials, which may have allowed the fire to spread quickly. See
Malawi: faith leaders challenge high court decision on abortion
A recent High Court decision in Malawi has ignited significant national debate by ruling that a 14-year-old girl, pregnant due to rape, must be granted access to a safe abortion. The judgment held that denying such care violates protection under the Gender Equality Act, and that girls impregnated through sexual offences automatically qualify for legal abortion services. Faith leaders, including Catholics, Protestants and Muslims, have warned that the ruling could set a far-reaching precedent in a country where abortion remains almost entirely criminalised except to save the mother’s life. They argue that expanding legal access risks reshaping national policy without public consensus, and intend to challenge the decision through legal and governmental channels. Meanwhile, advocates for reform say restrictive laws force vulnerable women and girls toward unsafe procedures, contributing to maternal deaths, though data on abortion-related mortality remains contested. As both sides mobilise, Malawi faces a pivotal moment in balancing the protection of life with urgent concerns for justice, safety and healthcare for survivors of sexual violence.
