The Niger state government has condemned the kidnapping of pupils and students in a Catholic school in papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area by bandits on Thursday morning.
However, the state government reiterated that the school management ignored earlier security alert closing all boarding schools in the zone, following intelligence reports on threats by the bandits.
The government stated this in a statement issued in Minna by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Abubakar Usman hours after the incident.
According to him, “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 of the state. This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier 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.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.”
He assured that security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils, adding that the Niger state government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
The government urged school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety.
Meanwhile, the Niger state Police command has confirmed deployment of police tactical units and military components to Papiri area for immediate rescue of the kidnapped victims.
The Police Public Relations OfficerPPRO of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun stated this while confirming the incident in Minna on Thursday.
He said, “The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel”.
“However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students”, he explained.
In the same vain, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attack and the kidnapping of the students
In a reaction, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the association strongly condemn the attack and express deep concern for the safety of the Kidnapped children and their families.
He assured the public that the Body of Christ is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders and government authorities.
