Official Reprimand: Niger State Blames St. Mary’s School Management for Kidnapping After Violating Boarding Closure Order.
The Niger State Government on Friday condemned the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, but noted that the incident occurred because the school reopened without government clearance, ignoring a prior directive to suspend boarding activities in the area. While details remain unclear, Daily Trust reports that multiple sources confirmed several students were taken during the midnight raid. The Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone, stating that the terrorists stormed the school between 2:00 am and 3:00 am. Rofia added that authorities are still assessing the situation to determine the actual number of abducted students and staff. In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, revealed that the government had received credible intelligence warning of an increased threat in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) noted that, as a precaution against the increased threat level in the Niger North Senatorial District, the state had previously ordered the suspension of all construction work and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected zone. The SSG stated that the “unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report” and the fact that the State Government had “earlier issued a clear directive” on the school closures and construction halt as a precautionary measure.
SSG Usman stated: “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 the staff to avoidable risk.”
The SSG confirmed that the exact number of pupils abducted remains unconfirmed as security agencies continue their assessment. He explained that security forces have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted children. The Government issued a strong plea, urging school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories for public safety, stressing that “The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.” The statement also called on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by offering useful information. This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, further escalating concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region. Separately, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State on Thursday due to rampaging bandits.
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his planned official trips to South Africa and Angola in order to personally coordinate the response to the nation’s prevailing security challenges.
