The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.
The attack occurred around 2 a.m. on November 21, when armed assailants stormed the school.
In a statement, Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman revealed that the government had previously issued a directive to close all boarding schools in the area following credible intelligence of an imminent threat. St. Mary’s, however, reopened against warnings.
“The Niger State Government received with deep sadness the disturbing news of this kidnapping,” Usman said. “The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue their assessment and search operations.”
He added that full-scale investigations and rescue operations are underway, and the government is in constant communication with security agencies. Authorities are urging school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly follow security advisories to protect lives.
This incident comes just a week after 25 students were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive School, highlighting the growing threat to educational institutions in the state.
