An unconfirmed number of students and staff were abducted at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, following a raid by suspected terrorists.
A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the attack, telling Daily Trust, “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day.”
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, confirmed the incident via telephone.
He said the attackers stormed the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., and authorities are still determining the exact number of students and staff abducted.
When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said details would be provided later.
The abduction comes days after a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, raising concerns over the escalating attacks on educational institutions across the region. On Thursday, over 50 schools in Kwara State were shut down due to security threats.
President Bola Tinubu canceled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate responses to the growing insecurity.
