The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of students and staff from Saint Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Politics Nigeria had reported that bandits stormed the school premises between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department, Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, confirmed the attack by phone but did not provide further details.
In an official statement, Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the Niger State Government, said that prior intelligence had prompted the government to order the closure of all boarding schools in the area, but the affected Catholic school reopened against these directives.
“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue their assessment,” the statement read.
“The state had earlier received credible intelligence indicating an increased threat level in parts of the northern senatorial district. In response, the government had suspended all construction activities and temporarily closed all boarding schools in the affected zone as a precaution.
“St. Mary’s School, however, resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the state. Security agencies have since launched full-scale investigations and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils.
“The Niger State Government remains in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
“The government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories to safeguard lives, particularly those of children.”
The incident comes amid a surge in attacks on schools, with the Kwara State Government recently shutting down over 50 schools as a precaution.