Students Kidnapped in Midnight Raid on Niger School
In a distressing development that has shaken the educational community, armed assailants stormed Saint Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of students and staff members. The attack occurred in the early hours of November 21 when the invaders breached the school's security at approximately 2am.
Government Had Issued Prior Warning
The Niger State Government, through Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman, revealed that authorities had received credible intelligence about heightened security threats in the northern senatorial district. In response, the government had issued a clear directive ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
"The state received prior intelligence report indicating an increased threat level in parts of the northern senatorial district," the government statement confirmed. Despite this security advisory, Saint Mary's Catholic School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from state authorities.
Rescue Operations Underway
Security agencies have immediately launched comprehensive search-and-rescue operations to locate and safely recover the abducted pupils. The exact number of students taken remains unconfirmed as security forces continue to assess the situation on the ground.
The state government emphasized its commitment to student safety, stating: "The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration." Officials are maintaining close communication with all relevant security formations and have promised to provide regular updates as the situation develops.
This incident marks the second major school abduction within a week, following the kidnapping of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive School in Maga, Kebbi State. The recurring pattern has raised serious concerns about school security measures across northern Nigeria.
The Niger State Government has issued a stern warning to all educational institutions, urging school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories in the interest of public safety.
