NIGER STATE GOVT HAS HELD ST. MARY’S SCHOOL ACCOUNTABLE FOR DISREGARDING SECURITY DIRECTIVE ISSUED PRIOR TO THE ATTACK AND ABDUCTION.
Read Time:2 Minute, 12 Second
By: Muftau Fatimo
The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unverified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, describing the incident as both distressing and preventable.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government noted that it is still awaiting an exact headcount of those abducted as security agencies continue their assessment.
The SSG disclosed that the attack took place despite prior intelligence indicating an increased threat level across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District. He noted that, in response to the intelligence, the government had issued a security directive halting all construction activities and mandating the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the area
“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 staff to avoidable risk,” the statement said.
Usman noted that security agencies have commenced a full-scale investigation alongside search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted pupils. The government further assured the public that it is maintaining constant communication with security formations and will issue updates as developments unfold.
Authorities also appealed to school proprietors, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strictly comply with security advisories, emphasizing that safeguarding lives—particularly those of children—remains the administration’s foremost priority. Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel by providing any credible information.
Local accounts suggest that the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Community sources reported that numerous students were taken during the raid on the Catholic-run school, although an exact figure has yet to be confirmed as records are still being compiled.
The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, noting that the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified. When contacted, the Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said further details would be communicated in due course.
The shocking development comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, intensifying concerns over worsening security around schools across the northern region.
In Kwara State, a recent attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and over 20 abducted, prompting the state government to shut down more than 50 schools on Thursday.
The repeated assaults on educational institutions have intensified parental anxiety and renewed demands for enhanced community-based security measures in vulnerable areas.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0