Terrorists launched an attack on St Mary’s School, a Catholic educational institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting multiple students and staff members in the early hours of Friday.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the incident in an official statement, noting that armed bandits stormed St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. A security personnel was seriously injured during the assault, according to Diocesan Secretary Jatau Luka Joseph.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, the Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, verified the attack. Local residents reported that the assailants arrived with approximately 60 motorcycles and a van, which they used to transport the kidnapped victims.
The exact number of abducted persons remains unconfirmed as school authorities continue compiling records. However, estimates vary significantly, with some reports suggesting between 52 to over 100 students and teachers were taken.
Bello Gidi, the spokesperson for Agwara Local Government Council Chairman Ilyasu Zakari, confirmed that authorities are working to gather factual details about the incident.
The Niger State Police Command has deployed tactical units alongside military components to the area for immediate rescue operations. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that security agencies have commenced full-scale search-and-rescue operations while combing nearby forests.
Niger State Government’s Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, revealed that the school had reopened without government clearance despite security warnings issued weeks earlier following intelligence reports of increased threats in the Niger North Senatorial District.
The Catholic Diocese strongly condemned the attack and urged the public to remain calm while supporting security efforts through prayers and cooperation with authorities.
This assault comes just days after 25 female students were kidnapped from Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, where a staff member was killed. Also in the week, there was the church attack in kwara state where three were killed and other worshippers kidnapped which the terrorist are now demanding 3 billion naira for as ransom.