Niger State Government Blames St. Mary’s School for Mass Abduction of Pupils

The Niger State Government has publicly criticized the management of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and
Secondary School in Papiri (Agwara Local Government Area) following a mass abduction of students,
saying the school ignored a security directive issued after intelligence warned of elevated threats.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the government
had earlier acted on credible intelligence by suspending all construction work and ordering the
temporary closure of boarding schools in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
However, the statement claims that St. Mary’s School “reopened and resumed academic activities
without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government,” thereby putting pupils and staff at
avoidable risk.

Gunmen reportedly broke into the school early in the morning (between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.) and
abducted an undetermined number of students and staff.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, at least 52 people, including pupils, teachers, and a
security officer, were taken. The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident and said tactical
and military units have been deployed to search the surrounding forests.

Security agencies are now conducting a full-scale investigation. Rescue operations are under way, with
both police and military tactical teams mobilized to recover the abducted pupils.
The government has appealed to school owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to comply
strictly with security advisories to prevent further tragedies. Officials also asked the public to remain
calm and assist security forces by providing useful information.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack, calling it deeply distressing, and pledged to
work closely with authorities and community leaders to secure the safe return of those kidnapped.

By Oyinkansola Shittu.

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