The Niger state government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of pupils from St Mary’s School in Agwara LGA.
Gunmen abducted several students and members of staff from the school in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger state.
The incident reportedly occurred between 2am and 3am on Friday.
Reacting in a statement, Abubakar Usman, secretary to the state government, said the attack took place despite earlier intelligence indicating heightened security threats in parts of Niger north.
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Usman said the school proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the state.
He said the state had issued an advisory suspending all construction activities and directing the temporary shutdown of boarding schools across the affected axis.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure,” the statement reads.
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“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils.
“The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
“The government urges school proprietors, community leaders and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety.
“The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.”
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The incident comes on the heels of the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi state.
Hassan Makuku, the school’s vice-principal, died during the attack; while Ali Shehu, a security guard, sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand.
