A fresh wave of insecurity hit Niger State on Friday as armed terrorists invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri community in Agwarra Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of pupils, students and teachers.
The attack, which happened in the early hours of the morning, occurred barely days after gunmen seized about 25 students in Maga village, Kebbi State, raising renewed concerns over rising school kidnappings in the North.
Although full details were still being compiled at press time, sources in the community told Iwitnesslive.com that the attackers stormed the school between 1:00am and 3:00am, shooting sporadically before whisking their captives into the bush. A security guard on duty was reportedly shot and left in critical condition.
School authorities were said to be still reconciling their records to determine the exact number of victims.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, condemned the incident, describing the abduction as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by CAN Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, through his media aide Daniel Atori, the body urged both the Federal and State Governments to act without delay to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped children and staff.
The Chairman expressed worry over the fate of the victims and called for intensified collaboration between security agencies, community leaders and relevant authorities.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, confirmed the invasion and assured that the command has already deployed tactical units and military support to track down the attackers and rescue the abductees unharmed.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun said joint security teams have begun combing the surrounding forests and will sustain the operation until the victims are found.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and provide useful information to aid the rescue efforts.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the police will investigate why the school continued academic activities despite a state government directive ordering schools in the area to shut down over rising security threats.
He said appropriate action would be taken against the school management after investigations.
