The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of students from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the incident as “deeply saddening and avoidable.”
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, the government confirmed that the exact number of pupils abducted is still unknown, as security agencies continue assessments and gather verified information.
The statement revealed that the government had previously received credible intelligence about heightened security threats in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
Acting on these warnings, the State Government had directed the suspension of all construction work and temporarily closed boarding schools in the affected areas as a precautionary measure.
Despite this directive, St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened and resumed classes without notifying or obtaining clearance from the government, which the SSG said exposed pupils and staff to significant risk.
Security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation and intensified search-and-rescue efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
The Niger State Government emphasized that it remains in constant contact with security formations and will continue providing updates as the situation develops. It appealed to school administrators, community leaders, and stakeholders across the state to comply fully with all security advisories to protect public safety. The government reiterated that safeguarding lives—particularly those of children—remains its highest priority.
Citizens were urged to stay calm and support security agencies by providing credible information to assist in ongoing rescue operations.
Channels Television reports that gunmen abducted an undisclosed number of students during an attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State. The attackers reportedly stormed the private Catholic school in the early hours of Friday.
Sources said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, riding over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. They allegedly shot the school gatekeeper, leaving him seriously injured.