The Niger State Government has described the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, as tragic and preventable, stating that the school failed to comply with a prior security alert.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, authorities confirmed that the exact number of abducted students is still unknown as security operatives continue their assessments and gather detailed information.
According to the government, credible intelligence had earlier warned of heightened security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
Based on these reports, the state ordered the suspension of construction work and the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected areas as a precaution.
However, St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without informing the government or seeking the required clearance — a breach that the SSG said put both pupils and staff in harm’s way.
Security agencies have now intensified search-and-rescue operations and launched a full investigation into the incident.
The government urged school proprietors, community leaders and stakeholders across the state to strictly follow issued security advisories, reiterating that the safety of citizens — especially children — remains its top priority.
Residents were encouraged to cooperate with security personnel by providing useful information that could help rescue efforts.
Reports from Channels Television indicate that armed men attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in the early hours of Friday, abducting an undisclosed number of
students.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a vehicle. The school’s gatekeeper was shot and left severely injured.
