Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped an undisclosed number of students during an early morning attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State.
The assailants were said to have stormed the Catholic-owned private school in Agwara Local Government Area between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Friday.
Sources from the community reported that the gunmen arrived in large numbers, riding on more than 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. They allegedly shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him critically injured.
A resident of Agwara who confirmed the incident said, “Yes, it happened between 3 and 4 a.m. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed.”
Another source stated that some teachers were also seized during the attack.
“In the middle of the night, our community was shaken by a deeply tragic event. Bandits invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State. A Catholic private boarding school for boys and girls.
Students and teachers were forcefully taken away during the attack.
This is an extremely distressing moment for families, the communities, and Niger State as a whole. These are innocent young students and dedicated educators whose lives and futures are now at risk. Their safety must be a priority,” the source said.
As of the time of this report, authorities had not yet confirmed the exact number of abducted individuals. However, residents fear the figure may be substantial, with some estimating that more than 100 people may have been taken.
Police Confirm Abduction
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed that tactical units, military personnel, and other security operatives had been deployed to the area.
Abiodun said the joint security forces were conducting extensive search operations in the surrounding forests to secure the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted students.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, called for calm and urged residents to support security agencies with credible information that could assist in the rescue mission.
Elleman also stated that the attack would be thoroughly investigated, stressing that the school management would face appropriate sanctions for continuing academic activities despite a state government directive to close schools in the area due to escalating security concerns.
Deadly Abductions
The Niger incident adds to a growing list of abductions targeting schoolchildren and places of worship across the country.
Less than a week ago, bandits abducted 26 girls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State. The attack claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who reportedly died while attempting to stop the gunmen from taking the students.
The latest incident also follows the kidnapping of at least 30 worshippers during an attack at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, where three people were killed.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and extended condolences to the affected families. He also delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Maga on his behalf.
What You Should Know
The abduction at St. Mary’s School marks another alarming escalation in school-targeted attacks in northern Nigeria, coming just days after similar incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states.
With fears that over 100 people may have been taken, the event intensifies national concerns over student safety in vulnerable communities and underscores ongoing security challenges confronting the region.
