In the early hours of Friday, chaos erupted at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, as armed terrorists stormed the school and kidnapped scores of students and staff members. The brazen attack, which took place between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised alarms across Nigeria over escalating assaults on educational institutions.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, the Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, confirmed the incident, alongside Bello Gidi, media aide to the Chairman of Agwara Local Government. Speaking to journalists, Bello Gidi stated, “Yes, it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.” Gidi elaborated that early reports indicated “over 100 students and teachers” may have been taken, adding, “Also, it is a mixed school with boys and girls.” Community sources said the attackers “whisked away more than a dozen” children, but the actual figures remain unverified pending further investigation.
Multiple witnesses described the attack as a coordinated operation marked by panic and confusion. The armed men reportedly fired sporadically as they entered the school compound, overwhelming security and abducting many while students were preparing for their morning routines.Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the kidnapping. Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, told the press, “I am still making efforts to confirm the incident.” The school guard was reportedly injured during the attack.
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of another attack five days prior at Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, where about 25 female students were abducted and a staff member killed. The disturbing pattern of attacks has intensified fears for the safety of students and staff in northern Nigeria.
Local leaders and residents are demanding urgent intervention from security agencies and the federal government as affected families anxiously await news. The magnitude of the abduction underscores the dire need for enhanced protection of vulnerable communities and educational institutions in Nigeria.This is a developing story. More updates will follow as details emerge.
