Tension has enveloped Niger State after terrorists launched a midnight attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff.
Details remain uncertain. According to Daily Trust, multiple sources indicated that several students were taken during the late-night raid, a situation earlier reported by DIP CONNECT Online. Families in the community now anxiously await official updates.
A source from one of the Catholic churches in the state confirmed the incident, explaining that the school was still trying to verify the exact number of missing persons. “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later.
Agwara LG confirms attack
The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack by telephone, stating that the terrorists struck between 2am and 3am on Friday. He added that the exact number of abducted students and staff was still being assessed.
Arise TV, in a separate report on Friday, said 52 students were abducted.
The assault comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, intensifying nationwide concern over worsening insecurity in schools across northern Nigeria.
The situation escalated further on Thursday when over 50 schools were shut in four local government areas of Kwara State due to bandit activities.
Amid growing security challenges, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response.
Niger Govt confirms incident
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, also confirmed the attack via his official Facebook page on Friday. In a statement titled “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of Pupils in Papiri Area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive,” the state expressed deep sadness over the development.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the statement noted. It was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman.
DIP CONNECT Online previously reported that in February 2021, at least 42 people, including 27 students, were kidnapped when bandits attacked Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, in the same state.
Catholic Diocese condemns attack
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack in a Friday statement signed by its Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph. The Diocese said the armed men stormed the school at midnight, shot a security guard, and abducted several members of the school community.
The Bishop assured that the Diocese is working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to secure the victims’ release. He appealed for calm, encouraged support for rescue efforts, and requested prayers for the safe return of those kidnapped.
The Diocese also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and promised further updates as more information becomes available.
Police, Military launch rescue mission
Confirming the incident in a Friday statement, the police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that a joint team of police and military personnel had been deployed to Papiri to rescue the abducted students.
He noted that the school management would face sanctions for reopening despite a state directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to deteriorating security conditions.
“Police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests to rescue the abducted students,” he said.
He added that Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has reiterated the command’s commitment to rescuing the victims unharmed and urged the public to remain calm and support security operations. He also assured that the school’s violation of the closure order would be thoroughly investigated.
ADEOLA KUNLE
