Just five days after the Kebbi school abduction, terrorists struck again, this time targeting St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025. The attackers stormed the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., abducting more than 52 students and teachers.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, confirmed the incident, while Bello Gidi, media aide to the local government chairman, told SaharaReporters: “Yes, it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri. The school is mixed, with boys and girls, and over 100 people were reportedly taken.”
The gunmen reportedly opened sporadic fire as they invaded the school compound while students were preparing for their morning routines. A school guard sustained injuries during the assault.
Security agencies had not yet issued an official statement at the time of reporting. The attack comes amid rising fears over repeated abductions in the region, including the recent Kebbi State attack where 25 female students were kidnapped and at least one staff member killed.
Authorities are expected to intensify rescue operations as the situation develops.