By Olokuta Rofiat
Armed men in the early hours of Friday attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, and abducted several pupils, teachers and staff.
The raid, which occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., left the school’s watchman with gunshot injuries. Local officials say the number of abductees is yet to be confirmed, though community members fear it could exceed 100.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, said a full list of those missing was still being compiled as anxious families rushed to the school.
The Niger State Government described the attack as “deeply distressing,” noting that intelligence reports had earlier flagged rising threats in the area.
It said boarding schools in high-risk zones had been ordered shut, but St. Mary’s allegedly resumed operations without notifying authorities.
Security agencies have launched a search-and-rescue mission and opened an investigation.
The government urged residents to provide information that could assist the operation.
The attack comes days after 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Kebbi State, raising concerns about a resurgence of school-targeted banditry across northern Nigeria.
