Fatimah Otunsanya
The Niger State Government on Friday condemned the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, saying the incident occurred after the school reopened without government clearance despite a prior directive suspending boarding activities in the area.
According to multiple sources, several students were taken during the midnight raid.
The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, who confirmed the attack via telephone to the newsmen, he said the terrorists stormed the school between 2:00 am and 3:00 am, adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.
In a statement signed and released on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the government said it had received credible intelligence warning of an increased threat in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
He noted that, as a precaution, the state had ordered the suspension of all construction work and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected zone.
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of the Niger North 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.
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,” Usman said.
He added that the exact number of pupils taken remains unconfirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
The SSG explained that security forces have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted children.
“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.
“We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts,” the statement added.
The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.
On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State as a result of rampaging bandits.
President Bola Tinubu had cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the response to insecurity.