The Niger State Government has blamed the Thursday night kidnapping of an unspecified number of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, on the failure of school authorities to observe security directives.
The state government described the development as distressing and preventable.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the state said it was still awaiting a comprehensive headcount as security agencies work to determine the exact number of victims.
School Accused of Ignoring Closure Order
According to the SSG, the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence warnings of elevated security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
He said the government had responded by suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone.
“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” the statement said.
Search-and-Rescue Efforts Underway
Usman said security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation alongside search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted pupils.
He assured residents that the government remains in close contact with security formations and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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He urged school operators, community leaders and other stakeholders to comply strictly with security advisories, noting that the safety of children remains the government’s top priority.
Night Raid on Catholic School
Local sources said the attack took place between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. The assailants reportedly targeted the Catholic-run school, taking several students and staff, though the exact number remains unclear.
The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident by telephone, saying officials were still compiling records.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said further details would be released later.
Fresh Concerns Over School Attacks
The incident comes days after 24 students and a staff were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, intensifying concerns over rising attacks on schools across the northern region.
In Kwara State, an attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and more than 20 abducted, prompting the state government to shut over 50 schools on Thursday.
The growing number of assaults on educational institutions has deepened anxiety among parents and renewed calls for stronger community-based security initiatives.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
