Gunmen Abduct Students, Teachers In Overnight Attack On Niger Catholic School Gunmen have kidnapped an unspecified number of students following an attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The assailants were said to have stormed the private Catholic boarding school in the early hours of
Gunmen Abduct Students, Teachers In Overnight Attack On Niger Catholic School
Gunmen have kidnapped an unspecified number of students following an attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The assailants were said to have stormed the private Catholic boarding school in the early hours of Friday, arriving in large numbers on more than 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van.
They reportedly shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him critically injured, before gaining access to the premises.
A resident of Agwara who confirmed the incident said the attack occurred between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., adding that the exact number of abducted students remained unknown.
Another source claimed that several teachers were also taken away during the raid.
“In the middle of the night, our community was shaken by a deeply tragic event. Bandits invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri. Students and teachers were forcefully taken away,” the source said.
“This is an extremely distressing moment for families, the communities, and Niger State as a whole. These are innocent young students and dedicated educators whose lives and futures are now at risk. Their safety must be a priority.”
Although authorities have not confirmed the precise number of those abducted, community members fear the figure could be substantial, with some suggesting it may exceed 100.
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said tactical units, military components and other security personnel had been deployed to the area.
He noted that security teams were conducting extensive search operations in the surrounding forests to ensure the swift and safe rescue of the victims.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the rescue efforts.
He also disclosed that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, adding that appropriate action would be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities despite a state government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to heightened security threats.
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