The Niger State Government has confirmed that pupils and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government. Authorities described the incident as deeply troubling and avoidable. A precise number of those kidnapped is still being verified as security agencies continue investigations.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence warning of elevated threats in Niger North Senatorial District. The government had issued a directive suspending construction activities and temporarily closing all boarding schools in the area. However, St. Mary’s School resumed classes without notifying or seeking approval, exposing students and staff to unnecessary danger.
Full-scale search-and-rescue operations are underway, and the government pledged to remain in close contact with security agencies while updating the public as the situation develops. Officials urged school proprietors, community leaders, and residents to follow security advisories and assist authorities with relevant information.
Local sources reported the attack occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday. Eyewitnesses confirmed that multiple students were taken during the raid, though exact figures are not yet available. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, and SP Wasiu Abiodun, Police Command spokesperson, both confirmed the incident, noting that details were still being verified.
This incident follows the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, raising concerns about the growing insecurity of schools in northern Nigeria. Similar attacks in Kwara State, including a church raid in Eruku that left three dead and over 20 abducted, have led authorities to close more than 50 schools.
The spate of attacks has heightened anxiety among parents and reignited calls for stronger community-based security measures to protect children in vulnerable areas.
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