The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the attack as “deeply saddening and avoidable.”
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, the government confirmed that the exact number of abducted pupils has not yet been determined, as security agencies are still conducting assessments and gathering verified information.
The statement explained that the government had earlier received credible intelligence pointing to heightened security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District. Based on the warnings, the State Government said it ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the high-risk areas as a precautionary measure.
Despite this directive, St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened and resumed academic activities without informing or securing clearance from authorities. According to the SSG, this disregard for security instructions exposed pupils and staff to grave danger.
Security agencies have since launched a full-scale investigation and intensified search-and-rescue operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The Niger State Government noted that it remains in continuous communication with security formations and will provide regular updates as the situation unfolds. It urged school owners, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly comply with all security advisories issued for public safety, emphasising that the protection of lives—especially children—remains its highest priority.
Authorities also called on residents to remain calm and support ongoing rescue operations by providing credible information that may aid security efforts.
Channels Television earlier reported that gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in the early hours of Friday. The private Catholic school was attacked by armed men who arrived in large numbers, reportedly riding on over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. During the raid, the school’s gatekeeper was shot and left with severe injuries.
What You Should Know
The Niger State Government had ordered the closure of schools in high-risk areas before the abduction, but St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without authorisation.
Security agencies are now conducting search-and-rescue operations as the exact number of abducted pupils remains unclear.
