The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unverified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government. The government recently described the incident as very distressing and avoidable.
In a press statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government announced that it is still awaiting an accurate headcount of those abducted as security agencies continue their assessment.
According to him, the attack happened despite earlier intelligence pointing to an increased threat level across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District, so he won’t be wrong to blame negligence for the kidnapping.
He stated that the government had issued a security directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the zone, but St. Mary’s School ignored the warning.
“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” it read.
Abubakar further noted that security agencies have launched full-scale investigations and search-and-rescue operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that Niger State remains in close communication with security formations and will provide updates as the situation progresses.
Reports have said that the attack happened between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday.
Sources in the community disclosed that many students were taken during a raid targeting the Catholic-run school, though the exact number remains unclear as records were still being compiled.
The latest development comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, increasing concerns over worsening security around schools across the Northern region.
