A wave of fear has gripped Niger State after an unconfirmed number of students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., left residents terrified as armed terrorists stormed the premises and whisked away victims whose exact number is still being compiled by school authorities. A source within the Catholic community confirmed the incident but said an official statement would be issued later.
Jocomms Correspondent reports that the Niger State Police Command is yet to release a detailed account of the invasion, with spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun noting that information would be provided once assessments are complete. Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, confirmed the attack via telephone and said authorities were still determining how many students and staff were taken. The abduction has deepened concerns over the worsening security situation in schools across northern Nigeria, coming just days after terrorists kidnapped 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State.
The latest assault also follows the shutdown of more than 50 schools in Kwara State due to bandit activities, amplifying fears that educational institutions have become increasingly vulnerable targets. President Bola Tinubu has reportedly cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the escalating insecurity. As communities wait anxiously for updates, one question grows louder—how many more schools must be attacked before lasting protection becomes a reality? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
