The Niger State Government has blamed St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, for reopening without government approval, leading to the mass abduction of pupils. The government said the school violated a security directive issued weeks earlier following intelligence warnings.
In a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the government said it received news of the kidnapping “with deep sadness.”
It added that the “exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed” as security agencies continue their assessment.
According to the statement, the attack occurred despite prior intelligence indicating “an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.”
The government said it had issued “a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.”
The release wrote, “Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.”
“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils.
“The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
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“The government urges school proprietors, community leaders and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety.
“The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.”
Meanwhile, Community sources who visited the school after the attack confirmed the invasion, describing it as a coordinated operation that lasted between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Also, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, confirmed the incident, alongside Bello Gidi, media aide to the chairman of Agwara Local Government.
Gidi said, “Yes, it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.”
He further revealed the scale of the attack, stating, “The information that is reaching us is that they have kidnap over 100 students and teachers. Also, the school is a mixed school boys and girls.”