A new wave of school kidnappings has hit Niger State as terrorists, in the early hours of Friday morning, invaded St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, whisking away an unknown number of students and teachers.
The coordinated attack, which occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., has thrown the quiet community into panic. Multiple residents who visited the scene shortly after the incident described it as “well-planned” and “swift,” leaving families frantic and the school premises deserted.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, confirmed the incident, as did Bello Gidi, media aide to the Chairman of Agwara LGA.
Speaking with SaharaReporters, Gidi said:
“Yes, it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.”
He added that early figures suggested the attackers may have abducted over 100 students and teachers, noting that the school operates as a mixed boarding facility.
However, SaharaReporters gathered from community members that the exact number remains unclear. Some residents said the terrorists took “more than a dozen” children, while others believe the figure is significantly higher. None of the numbers circulating have been independently verified.
Security agencies have not yet released an official statement.
Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, told SaharaReporters he was still working to confirm the details of the attack.
This latest incident comes just five days after terrorists stormed Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, abducting about 25 female students and killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku, who attempted to resist the gunmen.
In that attack, the assailants struck around 5:52 a.m., firing sporadically as the students prepared for morning routines. A school guard was also injured.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters earlier reported that terrorists launched a separate deadly attack on Rogun Village in Kpada District, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. Two security operatives were killed when the attackers ambushed a police outpost late Sunday night, engaging officers in a fierce gun duel that lasted several minutes.
As northern communities continue to face relentless assaults, fears are mounting over the worsening security situation and the widening wave of mass abductions targeting schools and rural settlements.