The Niger State Government has described the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area as “tragic and preventable,” criticising the school for disregarding an earlier security directive.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, authorities confirmed that the number of students taken remains unclear as security agencies are still conducting assessments.
Usman disclosed that the government had received credible intelligence warning of heightened security risks in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District. Based on the alert, the state ordered the suspension of construction activities and directed all boarding schools within the affected axis to shut down temporarily.
Despite the directive, St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without seeking government approval—an action the SSG said exposed pupils and staff to danger.
Security operatives have since intensified search-and-rescue efforts and launched a full investigation into the incident.
“This unfortunate event occurred despite earlier intelligence pointing to an increased threat level. The government had issued a clear order for boarding schools in the area to close as a precaution, yet St. Mary’s resumed activities without clearance,” the statement read in part.
The government urged school proprietors, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to comply strictly with security advisories, stressing that safeguarding lives—particularly those of children—remains its top priority.
Residents were also encouraged to remain calm and provide credible information that could support ongoing rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Channels Television reports that gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in the early hours of Friday, abducting an undisclosed number of pupils. Witnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding on more than 60 motorcycles and supported by a van. The school’s gatekeeper was reportedly shot and severely injured during the assault.
