Suspected terrorists, in the early hours of Friday, attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri community, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unconfirmed number of pupils, students and teachers.
The attackers reportedly stormed the school between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., during which a security personnel on duty was badly shot while several others fled for safety.
This incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga village, Kebbi State, where no fewer than 25 students were kidnapped, further heightening fears over the worsening security situation in northern Nigeria.
As at the time of filing this report, details of the exact number of victims remained unclear, as the school management was still compiling records to determine the total number of abducted persons.
An impeccable source disclosed that the terrorists forcefully invaded the school premises under the cover of darkness, whisking away many pupils, students and teachers before security reinforcement could arrive.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has strongly condemned the attack and called on the Federal Government, Niger State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
Chairman of CAN and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, in a statement issued through his Media Aide, Daniel Atori, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a barbaric and inhuman act. He confirmed that the attack occurred between 1am and 3am, during which a security officer was shot.
While sympathising with the affected families, Bishop Yohanna assured that the Christian body is actively collaborating with security agencies, community leaders and government authorities to facilitate the safe return of the abducted children and staff.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all abducted students are rescued unhurt. He urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing security operations.
In a further statement by the Command’s spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that Police Tactical Units, along with military components and other security agencies, have been deployed to the area for immediate rescue operations.
According to him, the security operatives are currently combing surrounding forests and adjoining communities in a bid to track down the terrorists and rescue the abducted students.
CP Elleman also revealed that the Command will launch a full investigation into the incident and warned that appropriate action may be taken against the school management for allegedly flouting the Niger State Government’s directive on the closure of schools in the area due to prevailing security threats.
He stressed that continuing academic activities despite the government’s closure order may attract sanctions, as the directive was aimed at preventing such tragic occurrences.
The attack has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of educational institutions, with residents calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of lives and disruption of learning in the state.
