The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, calling on the federal government to initiate immediate rescue efforts.

The caucus described the Friday, 21st November attack by suspected terrorists as an ugly development that must be addressed without delay, stressing that security operatives must “go the extra mile” to ensure the victims’ safe return.

In a statement released Saturday by the group and signed by Rep. O.K. Chinda (Minority Leader), Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C. (Minority Whip), Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader) and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip), the lawmakers said the incident—already confirmed by the Niger State Government and the Catholic Diocese of Kotangora—was shocking and deeply disturbing.

They noted that the “brazen actions of criminality are causing global embarrassment to Nigeria and must be stopped,” urging security agencies to “think outside the box” to restore public confidence and the nation’s dignity. The group also called for intensified search efforts and prayed for a “rancour free rescue mission.”

The caucus further urged the federal government to embark on massive recruitment across security agencies and consider external collaboration to strengthen national safety.

It reminded the Executive that “the main purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution,” warning that the government is failing in these responsibilities.

The lawmakers expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and prayed for the safe return of all abducted students and staff.