Niger Govt Condemns Abduction Of Pupils, Blames School For Ignoring Security Directive

The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the incident as “deeply saddening and avoidable.”

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the government confirmed that the exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be established, as security agencies continue assessments and work to obtain accurate details.

The statement disclosed that the government had earlier received credible intelligence warning of heightened security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

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Based on this intelligence, the state ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the vulnerable areas as a preventive measure.

However, St. Mary’s School was said to have reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying the government or obtaining the required clearance.

According to the SSG, this action breached the directive and exposed pupils and staff to significant danger.

Security agencies have since launched a full-scale investigation and intensified search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils.

The state government noted that it remains in constant communication with security formations and will provide updates as developments unfold.

Authorities appealed to school owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strictly comply with security advisories, stressing that the protection of lives, particularly those of children, remains an overriding priority.

Citizens were also urged to stay calm and provide security agencies with credible information to aid the ongoing rescue efforts.

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