Security agencies have launched a full-scale rescue operation in Niger State after terrorists stormed St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and teachers in a late-night assault.
The attack, which occurred around 1 a.m., lasted nearly two hours and comes just days after bandits kidnapped at least 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, and attacked a church in Eruku, Kwara State.
In response to the escalating security situation, President Bola Tinubu cancelled his planned trip to Johannesburg for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, delegating Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria as he remained behind to receive ongoing security briefings.
Niger Police Command spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that specialised police units, military personnel, and other security agencies were combing forests and escape corridors around Papiri to locate the abductors and secure the release of the victims. He quoted Commissioner of Police Adamu Abdullahi Elleman as urging calm and cooperation from residents.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack, expressing grave concern for the safety of the abducted students and their families.
Govt Blames School for Ignoring Security Directive
The Niger State Government faulted St. Mary’s School for reopening despite a prior directive ordering the closure of boarding schools and suspension of construction activities in the area due to intelligence reports of heightened terrorist activity.
According to Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the school resumed classes without notifying authorities, thereby exposing students and staff to “avoidable risk.” He added that security agencies have begun a comprehensive investigation and intensified rescue efforts.
The police have vowed to take necessary action against the school management for disobeying the closure order.
Residents Mistook Attackers for Robbers
Residents reported that they initially believed the armed men were robbers and were too frightened by the scale of the invasion to intervene or alert security forces.