Barely 72 hours after bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State and abducted 25 schoolgirls, terrorists have abducted students and staff members of St. Mary’s School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Confirming the incident on Friday in Minna, the Niger State Government said the exact number of abducted persons was yet to be determined, adding that security agencies were still assessing the situation.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, said in a statement that the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence reports indicating heightened security threats in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
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According to him, the government—based on the intelligence—had ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone.
He, however, noted that St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to danger.
The SSG said security agencies had commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and staff.
He added that the state government was in close contact with relevant security formations and would provide updates as more information becomes available.
While urging school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly comply with government security advisories, Usman appealed to the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies.
Meanwhile, a resident of the community said the abducted pupils and staff members were not fewer than 100. He added that the terrorists stormed the school premises between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. before whisking the victims away.
The Niger State Police Command has yet to comment on the incident.
