Tension has gripped Niger State after terrorists launched a midnight assault on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri Community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff.
Details remain unclear, but according to Daily Trust, multiple sources said that several students were taken during the late-night raid, Gidipoint had earlier reported.
Fear and uncertainty now hang over the community as families await official updates.
A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident, explaining that the school was still trying to determine the exact number of victims.
Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day, he said.
When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later.
Katsina LG reacts
However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone, revealing that the terrorists struck in the early hours of Friday morning.
He said the attackers invaded the school between 2am and 3am, adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.
Arise TV in a separate report on Friday said 52 students were abducted.
The assault comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening nationwide concerns over worsening insecurity in schools across the North.
The crisis deepened further on Thursday when over 50 schools were shut down in four Kwara State local government areas due to rampaging bandits.
As the situation escalates, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response to the deepening security challenges.
Niger govt confirms incident
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Umar Bago, has also confirmed the incident via his official Facebook handle on Friday.
It was detailed in a statement titled, Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in Papiri area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.
The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation, the release noted.
It was e-signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman.
In February 2021, Gidipointreported that no fewer than 42 people, including 27 students, were kidnapped when bandits attacked Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, in Niger State.
Niger Catholic diocese condemns attack
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has denounced the midnight attack on St. Mary’s School, issuing a Friday statement through its Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph.
According to the Diocese, the armed men stormed the school at midnight, shooting a security personnel and abducting several members of the school community.
The Bishop assured the public that the Diocese is working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to ensure the safe return of all victims.
Appealing for calm, the Diocese urged residents to support ongoing rescue efforts and called for collective prayers for the swift recovery of those taken.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and said additional updates would be released as credible information emerges.
May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger, the statement read partly.
Police, Military begin rescue mission
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a Friday statement, revealing that a joint team of police and military personnel has been mobilised to Papiri to rescue the abducted students.
He added that the school management would face sanctions for reopening and operating despite a state government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area over escalating security concerns.
However, police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students.
In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the command’s commitment to rescuing the students unharmed and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations.
He further assured that the incident will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities contrary to the state government directive on school closures due to security challenges, Abiodun stated.
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