Terrorists Attack Niger School, Abduct Pupils: Government Confirms Incident, Blames Violation Of Security Directive

Minna, Niger State: The Niger State Government has confirmed a terrorists’ attack on St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, where several pupils were abducted in the early hours of Friday.

Authorities say the exact number of kidnapped children is still being verified as security agencies intensify efforts to assess the full scale of the incident.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government described the attack as “disturbing and deeply saddening,” noting that it occurred despite earlier security warnings issued to schools in vulnerable communities.

According to the statement, the government had previously obtained intelligence indicating heightened threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

Based on that intelligence, a directive was issued suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of boarding schools within the high-risk zone.

However, St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened without seeking clearance or notifying the State Government, a decision officials say exposed pupils and staff to “avoidable danger.”

Security operatives have launched a full-scale investigation alongside search-and-rescue operations to track the attackers and secure the safe return of the abducted pupils.

The government says it is maintaining close communication with all relevant security agencies and will provide updates as the situation unfolds.

The statement urged school proprietors, community leaders, and local authorities to strictly comply with state-issued security advisories to prevent further tragedies.

“The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” the government said, calling on residents to remain calm and support law enforcement with credible information that could aid rescue efforts.