The Niger State Government has condemned the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the incident as deeply distressing.
The exact number of abducted children has not yet been confirmed, as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
According to the government, the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence reports warning of heightened security threats across parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
In response to those alerts, the state authorities had suspended all construction activities and ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone.
However, St. Mary’s School reportedly resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the government—an action officials say exposed pupils and staff “to avoidable risk.”
Security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation as well as search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The government said it remains in constant contact with relevant security formations and will provide updates as the situation develops.
The state urged school proprietors, community leaders and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security directives issued for public safety, stressing that the protection of children remains the administration’s top priority.
Residents were also encouraged to remain calm and support security agencies with any useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
