Ofure Akhigbe
Tension gripped Niger State after terrorists stormed St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, in the early hours of Friday, 21 November 2025, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff.
The Niger State Government condemned the attack but noted that it occurred after the school reopened without government clearance, despite a prior directive suspending boarding activities in the area.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, confirmed that the attackers struck between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., adding that the exact number of abducted students and staff was still being determined as authorities continued their assessments. Arise TV reported that 52 students were taken during the raid.
In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the government said it had received credible intelligence warning of increased threats in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District. The administration had earlier ordered the suspension of all construction work and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected zone as a precaution.
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence indicating a heightened threat level. 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,” Usman said.
The government confirmed that security forces have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted children. The statement urged school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories for public safety.
The attack comes days after a similar kidnapping in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken, highlighting growing insecurity in northern schools. On Thursday, 20 November 2025, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State due to bandit attacks.
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate a national response, while Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed the incident on his official Facebook handle, expressing deep concern over the abduction.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the governor noted.