In a devastating pre-dawn attack that has left a community in mourning, terrorists stormed St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, abducting dozens of pupils and staff members while leaving a security guard fighting for his life after being shot.
Chaotic Invasion in the Dead of Night
Residents of Papiri community in Agwara Local Government Area described terrifying scenes as armed assailants invaded their peaceful settlement around 1:00 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025. The attackers fired indiscriminately before specifically targeting the educational institution, creating panic throughout the area.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the coordinated assault overwhelmed local security arrangements, with community members unable to reach police authorities in Minna due to poor network coverage in the region. The absence of immediate security response allowed the terrorists to operate freely during the critical early hours.
Mass Abduction and Community Trauma
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 52 individuals remain missing following the brazen attack, though initial reports from residents suggested the number could exceed 100 victims. The abducted include students from both primary and secondary sections, teachers, and at least one woman from the community.
Local sources described heartbreaking scenes as children fled into nearby bushes to escape the attackers, with many pupils remaining unaccounted for hours after the incident. Parents and community members conducted desperate searches through the surrounding wilderness, with emotional reunions occurring as some children gradually emerged from hiding.
Official Responses and Rescue Efforts
The Niger State Government expressed deep sadness over the incident while revealing that the school had violated official directives by reopening without proper authorization. Security agencies had previously ordered the closure of boarding schools in the area due to escalating security threats.
Police and military tactical units have been deployed to comb the Papiri forests in an intensive search-and-rescue operation. The Niger state Police Command spokesperson, SP W.A. Abiodun, confirmed that security forces are working to determine the exact number of abducted students and locate their whereabouts.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora issued a formal statement describing the incident as "distressing and deeply troubling" while urging cooperation with authorities and prayers for the safe return of all victims. The injured security guard remains in critical condition at a local medical facility.
Growing Pattern of Educational Institution Attacks
This attack marks another devastating chapter in Nigeria's ongoing security challenges, coming just days after a similar school abduction in Kebbi State. The pattern of targeted assaults on educational institutions has raised serious concerns among security experts and community leaders across northern Nigeria.
As rescue operations continue, anxious parents maintain vigil at the school premises, hoping for the safe return of their children while confronting the harsh reality of security vulnerabilities in educational facilities across the region.
