An unconfirmed number of students and staff have been abducted from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, following a raid by suspected terrorists.
Details remain limited, but sources told DAILY GAZETTE that many students were taken during the attack, which occurred overnight.
A representative from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident, stating:
“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.”
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would release official information later.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, confirmed the raid via telephone.
He stated that the terrorists struck the school between 2:00 am and 3:00 am and that the exact number of abducted students and staff is still being assessed.
This incident follows a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, highlighting growing insecurity in schools across the region.
On Thursday, more than 50 schools were closed in Kwara State due to threats from bandit groups.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to personally coordinate federal efforts to combat insecurity.
