Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of some students from St. Mary’s Private Secondary School in Agwara Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman the exact number of abducted students is yet to be ascertained as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
It is gathered that the unfortunate incident comes despite a prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
In response to the credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
Regrettably, Usman stated that St. Mary’s Private Secondary 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.
Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation with search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the students. The Niger State Government says it is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
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The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.
The State Government, therefore, calls on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts.
Following confirmation of the abduction of some students of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Secondary School, Papiri in Agwara LGA, police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students.
The attack occurred on November 21 at about 2.00am, when the police received a report indicating that some armed terrorists invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Private Secondary School, Papiri in Agwara LGA and abducted an unknown number of students from the hostel.
In view of this, the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Adamu Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.
He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
