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Tensions are high in Niger State following a midnight terrorist assault on St Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri Community of Agwara Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred between 2:00 am and 3:00 am on Friday, resulted in the abduction of an unconfirmed number of students and staff members.
While local authorities and security agencies are still assessing the exact figures, some reports, including one from Arise TV, suggest that as many as 52 students were taken.
The Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the early morning invasion.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, in a statement, denounced the attack, noting that the armed men shot a security guard during the raid.
The Diocese has called for calm, collective prayers, and cooperation with officials to ensure the safe return of the victims.
This incident has amplified national security concerns, coming shortly after a similar kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State and the subsequent closure of over 50 schools across four local government areas in Kwara State due to banditry.
In response to the deepening crisis, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national security response.
The Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, also confirmed the incident and reiterated the government’s security directives.
