The Niger State Government has confirmed the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area’s Papiri area. In a letter signed by Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government expressed deep sadness upon receiving the disturbing news. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
The statement highlighted that this unfortunate incident occurred despite prior intelligence reports 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 directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure. However, St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk.
Security agencies have since commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils the statement added