Tension is mounting in Niger State after terrorists carried out a midnight attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unspecified number of students and staff.
Although details remain unclear, Daily Trust reported that multiple sources confirmed several students were taken during the late-night assault. Families and residents now face growing fear and uncertainty as authorities work to verify the number of missing persons.
A source within the Catholic community in Niger State confirmed the incident, saying the school was still assessing the situation.
“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.
Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said details would be provided later.
However, the Head of Disaster and Relief at the Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed via telephone that the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. He added that the exact number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined.
A separate report by Arise TV said 52 students were kidnapped.
The incident comes just days after another school attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted further intensifying concerns over rising insecurity in schools across northern Nigeria. On Thursday, more than 50 schools in Kwara State were shut down due to bandit attacks.
As the crisis escalates, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the country’s response to worsening security challenges.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, also confirmed the school attack in a statement titled “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of Pupils in Papiri Area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.
The statement reads in part “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 to assess the situation.”
More updates are expected as authorities investigate the incident.
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