Armed assailants have kidnapped an unknown number of students from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, in the early hours of Friday.
The school, a private Catholic boarding institution, was reportedly stormed by over 60 gunmen on motorcycles, accompanied by a van.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him seriously injured, and forcibly removed both students and some teachers.
Local residents described the incident as “shocking and distressing,” emphasizing the risk posed to the young pupils and educators.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of abductees, though community sources fear the figure could be substantial, possibly exceeding 100.
The Niger State Police confirmed the abduction, with the state’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stating that tactical units, supported by military personnel, are actively conducting search and rescue operations in surrounding forests.
Police Commissioner CP Adamu Elleman urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces by providing credible information.
He also warned that the school management could face sanctions for resuming operations despite an earlier government directive ordering the temporary closure of schools in the area due to heightened security threats.
The Niger State Government described the attack as “deeply saddening and preventable.”
A statement signed by Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman noted that prior intelligence had indicated elevated risks across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
Authorities had earlier directed the suspension of school activities in affected areas, but St. Mary’s reportedly resumed classes without clearance, exposing pupils and staff to danger.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the abduction and called for urgent attention to the safety and wellbeing of the students and teachers.
“We are deeply concerned for the victims and their families,” said the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Joseph.
The Papiri incident is the latest in a string of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren across northern Nigeria.
Less than a week ago, 26 girls were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where the vice principal was killed while resisting the assailants.
Recent attacks also include the kidnapping of at least 30 worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, which left three dead.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attacks and expressed sympathy for affected families, directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit the Maga community to assess the situation.
