Gunmen kidnap students from Catholic school in Niger state

Gunmen have abducted several students and members of staff from the St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger state.

The incident reportedly occurred between 2am and 3am on Friday.

In a statement, the Niger state government said “it has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation”.

The statement, signed by Abubakar Usman, secretary to the Niger state government, said the state received prior intelligence report indicating an increased threat level in parts of the northern senatorial district.

“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.

Usman said St. Mary’s School, however, proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the state.

“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils,” the statement added.

“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.”

The incident arrives on the heels of the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi state.

Hassan Makuku, the school’s vice principal, lost his life during the attack, while Ali Shehu, a security guard, sustained gunshot injuries to his right hand.