Just five days after the Kebbi schoolgirls kidnapping, terrorists launched another assault, this time at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of the Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
During the late-night raid, an unconfirmed number of students and staff were abducted.
A source from a local Catholic church confirmed the incident, stating that the school is currently working to determine the precise number of victims taken.
“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.
This assault follows a similar kidnapping just days prior in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken, significantly escalating nationwide concern over worsening insecurity in northern schools.
The crisis deepened further with the closure of over 50 schools in Kwara State on Thursday due to rampant banditry.
In response to the escalating security challenges, President Bola Tinubu canceled his trips to South Africa and Angola to personally coordinate the national response.
Governor Umar Bago, has also confirmed the incident via his official Facebook handle.
It was detailed in a statement titled, “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in Papiri area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.”
“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” it stated.
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