Niger Govt Confirms Agwara School Abductions, Says Incident Was Preventable

The Niger State Government has confirmed the kidnapping of an unspecified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the attack as both alarming and avoidable.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government noted that it was still awaiting an exact tally of those abducted as security operatives continue their assessment.

Usman explained that the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence warnings indicating heightened security threats across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. In response to those warnings, he said the state had ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary shutdown of all boarding schools in the zone.

“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” the statement read.

The SSG added that security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation and are conducting search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of the abducted pupils. He assured the public that the government remains in constant communication with security agencies and will share updates as the situation develops.

Authorities also urged school owners, community leaders and stakeholders to comply strictly with security directives, emphasizing that safeguarding lives—particularly those of children—remains the government’s utmost priority. Residents were encouraged to remain calm and assist security agencies with useful information.

Local sources reported that the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Community accounts indicated that many pupils were taken during the assault on the Catholic-run school, though the exact figure is still being compiled.

The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident by phone, stating that the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said further details would be released later.

The incident follows the abduction of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, earlier in the week, heightening fears over the worsening security situation in schools across northern Nigeria.

Similarly, in Kwara State, an attack on a CAC church in Eruku recently left three worshippers dead and more than 20 kidnapped, prompting the state government to shut down over 50 schools on Thursday.

The sustained wave of attacks on educational institutions has intensified concerns among parents and reinforced calls for stronger, community-driven security measures in vulnerable areas.

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