The Niger State Government has confirmed that both students and staff were abducted from Saint Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

Reports indicate that the attackers invaded the school around 2 a.m. on November 21, carrying out their assault.

In an official statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, explained that authorities had earlier ordered the closure of all boarding schools in the region after receiving intelligence about heightened security threats. However, the Catholic school in question ignored the directive and reopened.

**“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. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.

The state received prior intelligence report indicating an increased threat level in parts of the northern 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.

St. Mary’s School, however, proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the state.

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.

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.”**

This latest abduction comes just days after 25 students were taken from the Government Girls Comprehensive School, further deepening concerns about the rising wave of insecurity in the state.