Gunmen invade another School as unspecified number of students, Staff kidnapped

Gunmen invade another School as unspecified number of students Staff kidnapped

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, describing the attack as “deeply distressing and avoidable.”

In a statement on Friday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said authorities were still determining the exact number of those kidnapped as security agencies continue their assessment.

The SSG noted that the incident occurred despite prior intelligence indicating an elevated threat level across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. In response, the government had issued directives suspending all construction activities and temporarily closing boarding schools in the area.

“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,” the statement said.

Usman added that security agencies have launched full-scale investigations and search-and-rescue operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils. He assured the public that the government remains in close communication with security formations and will provide timely updates as the situation unfolds.

Authorities also urged school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories, emphasizing that the protection of lives—particularly children—is the administration’s top priority. Residents were encouraged to remain calm and assist security personnel with any useful information.

Local sources reported that the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, with many students taken during a raid targeting the Catholic-run school.

The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident, noting that the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said further details would be provided later.

This latest abduction comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, raising concerns over the worsening security situation for schools in northern Nigeria.

In a related development, a recent attack on a CAC church in Eruku, Kwara State, left three worshippers dead and more than 20 others abducted, prompting the state government to close over 50 schools on Thursday.