UPDATED: Students, staff feared missing after terrorists raid on Niger catholic school

Tension has enveloped Niger State following a terrorist attack that occurred at midnight on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in the Papiri Community of Agwara Local Government Area, resulting in the abduction of an unspecified number of students and staff.

Details are still emerging; however, as reported by Daily Trust, various sources indicate that numerous students were taken during the late-night incursion.

A sense of fear and uncertainty now pervades the community as families await official information.

A representative from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State has confirmed the occurrence of the incident, stating that the school is still in the process of ascertaining the precise number of victims.

"Yes, it is accurate, but I am not authorized to provide further details. The church will release an official statement later today," he remarked.

Upon inquiry, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, indicated that he would share more information at a later time.

Response from Katsina LG
Nevertheless, the Head of the Department of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via phone, disclosing that the terrorists struck in the early hours of Friday.

He mentioned that the "attackers entered the school between 2am and 3am," adding that the exact number of abducted students and staff has yet to be confirmed as authorities continue their evaluations.

In a separate report on Friday, Arise TV stated that 52 students were kidnapped.

This assault follows closely on the heels of a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken, raising nationwide alarm regarding the escalating insecurity in educational institutions across the North.

The crisis intensified further on Thursday when over 50 schools were closed in four local government areas of Kwara State due to marauding bandits.

As the situation deteriorates, President Bola Tinubu has canceled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to oversee the national response to the escalating security issues.

“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.

"The precise count of abducted students remains unverified as security agencies persist in evaluating the situation," the statement indicated.

It was electronically signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman.

In February 2021, reports indicated that at least 42 individuals, including 27 students, were kidnapped during an assault by bandits on Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, in Niger State.

Niger Catholic diocese condemns attack
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has condemned the late-night assault on St. Mary’s School, releasing a statement on Friday through its Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph.

The Diocese reported that armed individuals invaded the school at midnight, shooting a security guard and abducting several members of the school community.

The Bishop reassured the public that the Diocese is collaborating closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to facilitate the safe return of all victims.

In a call for calm, the Diocese urged residents to assist ongoing rescue operations and requested collective prayers for the swift recovery of those taken.

It also reiterated its commitment to protecting children and stated that further updates would be provided as reliable information becomes available.

"May the Lord grant a swift release to those who have been abducted and continue to safeguard His people from all harm," the statement partially read.

Police, Military begin rescue mission
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the occurrence in a statement on Friday, disclosing that a joint team of police and military personnel has been deployed to Papiri to rescue the abducted students.

He further mentioned that the school management would face penalties for reopening and operating in defiance of a state government directive that mandated the closure of schools in the region due to rising security concerns.

“He further assured that the incident will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities contrary to the state government directive on school closures due to security challenges,” Abiodun stated.