Several students and staff members were kidnapped from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in an attack that reportedly took place between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday.
In a statement, the Niger State Government expressed deep concern over the incident. “It has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the statement said.
Signed by Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government, the statement noted that prior intelligence had indicated heightened security risks in parts of the northern senatorial district.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure,” the statement read.
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However, Usman revealed that St. Mary’s School resumed academic activities without notifying or obtaining clearance from the state authorities.
“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils,” the statement added.
“The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available. The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” Usman concluded.
This abduction comes shortly after the kidnapping of 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. During that attack, Hassan Makuku, the school’s vice principal, was killed, while security guard Ali Shehu sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand.