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Terrorists Attack Catholic School In Niger State, Abduct Dozens Of Students
Panic has spread across the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area in Niger State after terrorists attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in the early hours of Friday, abducting dozens of students. Different reports put the number at anything from between 50 to 100.
Security sources and government officials say the exact number remains unclear as assessments continue.
According to accounts shared with journalists, the attack occurred between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., when armed assailants reportedly stormed the school, whisked students away and loaded them in a bus.
Mohammed Inuwa, senior legislative aide to Rt. Hon. Jafar Muhammad Ali, confirmed the development, saying: “Yeah, it happened around 3 to 4 am. And the number of students abducted is not yet confirmed. The police command of the local government is informed.”
Additional details remain limited. When contacted, Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said, “Let me verify, please,” and did not provide further information on ongoing operations.
The Niger State Government, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, condemned the abduction and said the incident occurred despite earlier security intelligence warning of heightened threats in parts of Niger North Senatorial District. The government noted it had ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk,” the statement said.
The government confirmed that full scale investigation and search and rescue efforts are underway and assured the public it remains in close communication with security agencies. It also urged school proprietors and community leaders to adhere strictly to previously issued security directives.
“The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” the statement added, calling on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.
