Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to take drastic action after yet another mass kidnapping of schoolchildren—this time at St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State.
Reacting on Friday via a post on 𝕏, Atiku condemned the relentless cycle of attacks on schools across the country, calling the latest incident “devastating” and entirely unacceptable.
“Not again. This is truly heartbreaking,” he wrote.
“How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? It is not too late for the government to finally declare a state of emergency on insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves.”
Security operatives say the attackers descended on the Catholic-owned institution in the early hours of Friday, arriving in large numbers—reportedly on more than 60 motorcycles, backed by a support vehicle. They abducted an undisclosed number of pupils and staff, leaving the community terrified and desperate for answers.
The abduction adds to a troubling wave of assaults on schools across northern Nigeria. Less than a week ago, 26 students were kidnapped from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. The school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was shot dead as he attempted to shield the girls from harm.
The violence has not been limited to educational institutions. On Tuesday, at least 30 worshippers were taken by armed men during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where three people lost their lives.
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Earlier in the week, President Bola Tinubu condemned the escalating kidnappings and sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit affected families and coordinate federal relief efforts. But the latest abduction in Niger State has intensified public outrage and renewed demands for stronger, more immediate government action.
As communities across the region grapple with fear and uncertainty, the pressure continues to mount on authorities to stem the tide of insecurity—especially the increasingly frequent targeting of schools.
