Terrorists have reportedly abducted pupils and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred around 2am on Friday.
Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who confirmed the incident, said authorities were still verifying the number of abducted pupils.
According to him, “the exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.”
The state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema, also confirmed the incident, stating that police tactical teams, military personnel and other security agencies had been deployed to the scene and were combing the surrounding forests in search of the victims.
Usman explained that the abduction occurred despite earlier intelligence indicating an increased threat level across parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
He recalled that the government had issued a directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the zone as a precautionary measure.
He added that security agencies had launched a full-scale investigation alongside search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The government assured the public that it remains in constant communication with security formations and will provide updates as the situation develops.
Also confirming the incident, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, said the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified.
Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said further details would be released in due course.
Source: Vanguard News
