Terrorists Kidnap Students And Staff At Catholic School In Niger State
Terrorists carried out a midnight attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic-run institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
During the raid, the attackers abducted students and staff, though the exact number of victims has not yet been confirmed.
A representative of one of the Catholic churches in the state confirmed that the incident occurred, explaining that the school was still trying to determine how many people were missing.
He added that the church would release an official statement once they had accurate information.
“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.
Governor Umar Bago later confirmed the attack in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, November 21.
The statement signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman was titled “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in Papiri area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.”
ALSO READ: President Tinubu Receives Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Edward In Abuja
“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,” it reads.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also condemned the attack.
In a separate statement issued by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Diocese explained that the gunmen broke into the school at midnight, shot a member of the security team, and took away several people within the school community.
The Bishop assured the public that the church was in close collaboration with security agencies, local leaders, and government officials to secure the safe return of all victims.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with rescue operations, and continue to pray for the safe release of those abducted.
The Diocese emphasised that protecting children remains a top priority and promised to share verified updates as soon as they become available.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh Ex-PM, Sheikh Hasina Sentenced To Death For Crimes Against Humanity
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” part of the statement read.
The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said a joint team of police officers, soldiers, and other security operatives had been deployed to the Papiri area to launch a search-and-rescue mission.
He stated that the security teams were combing the surrounding forests in an effort to track down the kidnappers and recover the students unharmed.
Abiodun added that the school would face sanctions for reopening despite an earlier directive from the government ordering schools in the area to remain closed because of heightened security threats.
“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the command’s commitment to rescuing the students unharmed and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations.
“He further assured that the incident will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities contrary to the state government directive on school closures due to security challenges,” Abiodun stated.
ALSO READ: Council Of Legal Education Approves Law Programs For Seven New Universities
