By John Umeh
A wave of fear swept through Niger State on Friday after terrorists carried out a midnight invasion of St. Mary’s School, a Catholic-run institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unknown number of students and staff.
The exact scale of the attack remains uncertain, but multiple local sources and early media reports indicate that several students were taken during the assault, which occurred between 2:00 am and 3:00 am.
Families in the community spent the early hours of Friday gripped by anxiety, awaiting official confirmation on the number of missing children.
Church Officials Confirm Attack, Await Full Details
A senior official from the Catholic Church in Niger State confirmed the incident, saying the school was still compiling its list of missing students and staff.
“Yes, the attack happened, but I cannot give details yet. The church will release an official statement later today,”
the source said.
Arise TV later reported that 52 students may have been abducted, though authorities have not verified this figure.
The Niger State Police Command said more information would be provided as investigations progress.
Local Government Confirms Night Raid
The Head of Disaster and Relief at Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, also confirmed the assault via telephone.
He said the attackers stormed the school in the early hours of Friday and that officials were still trying to determine how many students and staff were taken.
The raid comes on the heels of another school attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped just days ago. The rising wave of school-targeted abductions has heightened nationwide fears about the safety of children in northern regions.
Only a day earlier, more than 50 schools were shut down in four local government areas of Kwara State due to escalating bandit activities.
Tinubu Cancels Trips, Government Confirms Incident
Amid mounting security concerns, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed the incident in a statement issued on his official Facebook page and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman.
“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School,”
the statement read.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue their assessment.”
The statement reiterated the government’s earlier directive on the temporary closure of schools in high-risk areas.
Catholic Diocese Condemns Attack, Confirms Shooting of Security Guard
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack in a statement issued by its Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph.
He said the armed men forced their way into the school at midnight, shot one security guard, and abducted several members of the school community.
The Diocese said it is working with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to ensure the safe return of all victims.
It also called for calm and urged Nigerians to pray for the safe recovery of the abducted students and staff.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,”
the statement read.
Police, Military Launch Search and Rescue Operation
In a new statement on Friday, Niger State Police Command spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that a joint team of police and military personnel had been deployed to the area.
He revealed that the school may face sanctions for defying a state directive that had ordered schools in vulnerable locations to close due to rising insecurity.
“Police tactical units and military components have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students,”
he said.
Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman assured the public that every effort was being made to ensure the victims’ safe return while urging residents to stay calm and support the ongoing operation.
