The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of students and staff from Saint Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding institution in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, following a night-time attack on Friday.
According to reports, armed assailants stormed the school between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., abducting an unspecified number of pupils and staff. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, verified the incident in a phone call but did not disclose further details.
In an official statement, Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, noted that the school had reopened despite a government directive ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the area. The precautionary order had been issued after credible intelligence indicated heightened risks of attacks in border communities.
“The Niger State Government received prior intelligence highlighting an increased threat level in parts of the northern senatorial district,” Usman said. “As a precaution, all boarding schools were to remain closed, and construction activities suspended. Saint Mary’s School, however, resumed operations without clearance from the government.”
Authorities have confirmed that a full-scale search-and-rescue operation is underway, with security agencies mobilised to secure the safe return of the abducted individuals. The state government is also working closely with local stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of the rescue efforts.
Residents of Papiri and neighboring communities have expressed deep concern over their safety as insecurity continues to escalate in the North-Central region. This abduction follows similar attacks on schools in Kebbi and Kwara States earlier this week, raising national alarm over the vulnerability of educational institutions.
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“The protection of lives, particularly those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” Usman stated. He urged school proprietors, community leaders, and residents to strictly adhere to security advisories issued by the government.
The Niger State Government has promised to provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
