Armed men have reportedly kidnapped an unspecified number of students during an assault on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, located in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in the early hours of Friday.
Witnesses said the attackers, numbering in dozens, stormed the private Catholic boarding school around 3–4 a.m., arriving on more than 60 motorcycles and a van. The school’s gatekeeper was shot and left critically injured during the raid.
Community sources confirmed that both students and teachers were taken away. One resident described the incident as deeply traumatic:
“In the middle of the night, our community was shaken by a tragic event. Bandits invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri. Students and teachers were forcefully taken away. This is an extremely distressing moment for families, the communities, and Niger State as a whole. Their safety must be a priority.”
Although the exact number of abductees has not yet been confirmed, fears persist that the figure could exceed 100.
Police Response
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said tactical units, military personnel, and other security operatives had been deployed to the area and were conducting extensive search operations across nearby forests to secure the victims’ release.
Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Elleman urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid rescue efforts. He also announced that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, noting that the school management could face sanctions for continuing academic activities despite a state directive ordering schools in the area to close due to heightened security threats.
Recent Wave of Abductions
The Niger State attack is the latest in a string of violent abductions targeting schools and places of worship. Less than a week earlier, bandits kidnapped 26 girls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State, killing Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku as he tried to resist the attackers.
Similarly, at least 30 worshippers were abducted during an assault on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, which left three people dead.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and extended condolences to affected families. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maga on behalf of the President to commiserate with the community.
