The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School, located in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the attack as “deeply distressing and avoidable.”
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, authorities said they are still awaiting an exact headcount of those taken, as security agencies continue their on-ground assessment.
According to the SSG, the attack occurred despite prior intelligence indicating heightened security threats across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. He explained that the government had responded by suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary shutdown of all boarding schools in the zone.
However, St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without notifying or seeking clearance from the government — a move the SSG said exposed pupils and staff to avoidable danger.
Security agencies have since launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue mission. The government assured that it is in constant communication with security formations and will release verified updates as they emerge.
Authorities also appealed to school proprietors, community leaders, and residents to strictly comply with security advisories and support security operatives with credible information.
Local sources reported that the attack happened between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, with gunmen invading the Catholic-run school and whisking away many students. The exact number remains uncertain as records are still being compiled.
The Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident via phone, maintaining that officials are still verifying the figures. Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also noted that detailed information would be provided in due course.
The abduction comes barely days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, further heightening fears about rising attacks on schools across northern Nigeria.
In Kwara State, an earlier attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and more than 20 abducted, prompting authorities to shut down over 50 schools on Thursday.
The repeated assaults on educational institutions have intensified anxiety among parents and renewed calls for stronger community-led security structures in vulnerable areas.
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