Source: Twitter
The Niger school attack that occurred in the early hours of Friday has triggered widespread fear and renewed concern over security in educational institutions across the state. Terrorists stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, located in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting several students and staff members in a coordinated nighttime operation.
Attack Carried Out Between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
According to multiple community members who visited the school shortly after the incident, the invasion took place between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Witnesses described the attack as a well-planned assault that left the school community terrified and scrambling for safety. Those who assessed the scene said the terrorists moved swiftly through the compound, rounding up students and teachers before escaping into the surrounding bush.
Local authorities have also confirmed the incident. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, the Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, verified the attack alongside Bello Gidi, media aide to the Agwara LGA Chairman.
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Officials Confirm the Abductions
According to SaharaReporters, Gidi stated, “Yes it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.”
He went further to outline what he had been told regarding the scale of the assault, saying, “The information that is reaching us is that they have kidnapped over 100 students and teachers. Also, it is a mixed school with boys and girls.”
Despite this estimate, SaharaReporters notes that the exact number of victims remains uncertain. Some community members who spoke to journalists insisted the attackers took “more than a dozen” children, but could not provide definitive figures. Verification efforts are ongoing.
Security Agencies Yet to Issue Full Statement
As panic grows, the security agencies responsible for the region have not yet released an official update. When contacted, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, explained that he is still working to confirm the situation.
The Niger school attack has drawn attention partly because it follows a disturbing pattern of recent school invasions in northern Nigeria. Authorities are being pressured to provide clear information and increase patrols in vulnerable communities.
Attack Similar to Kebbi School Abduction Earlier This Week
Five days before this incident, terrorists launched a violent raid on the Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State. During that assault, around 25 female students were kidnapped, and at least one staff member was killed. A school guard also sustained injuries during the early-morning attack, which happened around 5:52 a.m.
Witnesses in Kebbi described the invaders arriving while students were preparing for morning routines. The terrorists reportedly fired shots to cause chaos before taking several girls away, leaving an atmosphere of fear and grief behind.
More Violence Recorded in Kwara State
These events come amid another reported assault in Rogun Village, Kpada District of Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State. SaharaReporters earlier reported that terrorists attacked a police outpost on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of two security operatives. A security source explained that the gunmen engaged officers in a prolonged exchange of gunfire before fleeing.
Growing Fear Over School Safety
The latest Niger school attack adds to a troubling escalation of violence targeting schools across northern Nigeria. Parents and residents are appealing to federal and state authorities for stronger intervention, improved surveillance, and immediate rescue operations.
[…] attempting to intervene, events took a tragic turn. A resident who spoke anonymously with The Punch described how the episode escalated within […]