Niger Govt Confirms Kidnap of Students in Agwara, Blames School for Ignoring Security Warning

 

The Niger State Government has officially acknowledged the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government — a tragedy authorities insist could have been avoided. According to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, officials are still working to determine the exact number of victims as security agencies continue their assessment of the situation.

The government revealed that the attack came despite earlier intelligence warning of heightened threats across several parts of the Niger North Senatorial District. Acting on this intelligence, the state had suspended all construction activities and ordered the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected zone. St. Mary’s School, however, allegedly went ahead to reopen without seeking government clearance, a move officials say exposed pupils and staff to needless danger.

Security operatives have since launched a full-scale investigation and a search-and-rescue mission aimed at safely retrieving the abducted victims. The state government assured residents that it is maintaining constant contact with security formations and will continue to provide updates as events unfold.

Authorities urged school owners, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly follow security advisories, emphasizing that safeguarding human lives — particularly those of children — remains a top priority. Residents were also advised to stay calm and assist security agencies with credible information.

Local accounts suggest the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Community sources reported that several students were taken in the midnight raid on the Catholic-run institution, though the actual figure remains uncertain. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, confirmed the incident but noted that verification efforts were still ongoing. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that official details would be released later.

This incident adds to growing fears about rising school-related kidnappings in northern Nigeria. Just days earlier, 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, while in Kwara State, an attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three people dead and more than 20 abducted — prompting the government to close over 50 schools.

With tensions rising and families increasingly anxious, calls for stronger community-driven security structures have intensified, as vulnerable communities continue to grapple with recurring assaults on educational institutions.