The Niger State Government has condemned the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, calling the incident “deeply disturbing” and reiterating earlier security directives that were blatantly ignored.
The exact number of abducted pupils remains unclear as security agencies continue to assess the situation. The government had previously issued a directive suspending all construction activities and temporarily closing boarding schools in Niger North Senatorial District following credible intelligence warning of heightened threats.
Despite the warning, St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without clearance, putting pupils and staff at “avoidable risk,” the government said.
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A full-scale search-and-rescue operation is now underway, with security agencies working to secure the safe return of the children. The Niger State Government said it is in close contact with all relevant security formations and promised regular updates as the situation develops.
The government also urged school proprietors, community leaders, and residents to comply strictly with security advisories to protect lives, especially those of children.
“The protection of lives, particularly our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” said Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the Niger State Government.
The public has been called upon to remain calm and assist security agencies by providing any information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
