Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have abducted an unspecified number of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack reportedly happened around 2am, throwing the quiet community into panic.
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, confirmed the incident but noted that the exact number of victims remains unclear as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
According to Usman, “the exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.”
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema, also confirmed the development, adding that police tactical units, military operatives, and other security agencies have already deployed to the area and are combing nearby forests in search of the victims.
Usman further revealed that the government had earlier received intelligence indicating a heightened threat across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. In response, authorities had suspended construction activities and temporarily closed boarding schools in the zone as a precaution.
He added that security agencies have now launched a full-scale investigation and intensified search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and staff.
The state government assured residents that it is maintaining close communication with all security formations and will provide updates as new information emerges.
The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, also confirmed the attack, stressing that the verification of the number of abducted persons is ongoing.
When contacted for further details, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said information would be released at a later time.
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