Niger State Confirms Abduction of Pupils, Staff at Agwara Catholic School, Says School Ignored Security Warnings

The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unverified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the incident as both deeply distressing and preventable.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the government said it is still awaiting an accurate headcount of those abducted as security agencies continue their assessment. The SSG revealed that the attack occurred despite prior intelligence warning of heightened threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

“The government had issued a security directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of boarding schools in the zone. Regrettably, St. Mary’s School resumed operations without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” the statement said.

Usman added that security agencies have launched full-scale investigations and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils. The government also assured the public that it remains in close contact with security formations and will provide updates as the situation unfolds.

Authorities further urged school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories, emphasizing that the protection of lives, especially those of children remains a top priority. Residents were also encouraged to support security personnel by providing any useful information.

Local sources reported that the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Eyewitnesses said many students were taken during the raid, though the exact number remains unclear as records are still being compiled. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, confirmed the incident and noted that verification of the number of abducted students and staff is ongoing. The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said further details would be provided later.

The abduction comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, raising concerns over the worsening security situation in schools across northern Nigeria. In Kwara State, a recent attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and over 20 abducted, prompting the temporary closure of more than 50 schools.

These recurring attacks on educational institutions have heightened parental anxiety and renewed calls for strengthened community-based security measures across vulnerable communities.