BREAKING: Students, Staff Feared Kidnapped at Niger State Catholic School

Students and staff are feared kidnapped after terrorists allegedly attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.

According to multiple sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., though the exact number of victims remains unconfirmed. Families and residents in the community are anxious as authorities continue to assess the situation.

A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident but declined to provide details, saying the church would release an official statement later.

The Niger State Police Command, through spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide official updates in due course. Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, confirmed that terrorists carried out the raid and that security agencies are still determining the number of students and staff abducted.

Arise TV reported that 52 students were reportedly kidnapped during the attack. This incident comes just days after a similar abduction in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, highlighting growing security concerns for schools in northern Nigeria. On Thursday, over 50 schools were temporarily closed in Kwara State due to bandit activity.

In response to escalating insecurity, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate a national security response. Niger State Governor Umar Bago also confirmed the incident via his official Facebook handle, expressing deep concern and pledging swift action to secure the safe return of the abducted students and staff.

The Niger State Government, in a statement titled, “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of Pupils in Papiri Area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive,” said the exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed and called on security agencies to intensify their efforts.

Authorities continue to investigate, and more details are expected to follow.

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