The Niger State Government has condemned Friday’s abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, calling the incident “deeply saddening and entirely avoidable,” while accusing the school of disregarding official security directives.
In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, authorities said they were still working with security agencies to determine the exact number of students taken, as rescue operations and on-ground assessments were ongoing.
According to the statement, the government had earlier received credible intelligence pointing to rising security threats across several communities in the Niger North Senatorial District. Based on this, officials ordered the suspension of all construction works and the temporary shutdown of boarding schools within the high-risk zones.
Despite the directive, St. Mary’s School—described as a private Catholic institution—allegedly resumed classes without seeking approval or notifying the government. The SSG said this violation exposed both students and staff to significant danger.
“Had the school adhered to the precautionary measures, this tragedy could likely have been averted,” the government stated, adding that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the level of compliance and accountability.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to track the kidnappers and locate the missing children, with search teams sweeping nearby forests and coordinating with local vigilantes. The state government emphasized that it is in continuous contact with security formations and will provide regular public updates.
Appealing to community leaders, school operators, and residents, the administration urged strict compliance with government-issued security advisories, stressing that the safety of children remains its top priority. Citizens were also encouraged to remain calm and share any credible information that could assist ongoing rescue operations.
The attack on St. Mary’s School occurred in the early hours of Friday. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed the school premises on more than 60 motorcycles, accompanied by a van. They reportedly shot the school’s gatekeeper, who sustained serious injuries, before abducting an unknown number of pupils.
The incident adds to a growing wave of attacks on schools and rural communities in Niger State and neighbouring regions.
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