Bandits have abducted an unspecified number of pupils from St. John Primary and Secondary School in Papiri Ward, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 2 a.m. on Friday, though details of the incident remain sketchy.
Confirming the development, the Niger State Government said it had earlier ordered all boarding schools and construction activities in the threatened axis to shut down, following intelligence reports of heightened security risks.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the government said it was “deeply saddened” by the abduction and shocked to learn that the affected school had reopened in defiance of its directive.
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The statement read in part:
“The Niger State Government 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.
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“In response, the State Government had suspended all construction activities and ordered 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 government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk.”
The government added that security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation and a search-and-rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted pupils.
