The recent abduction of students and teachers at St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, has raised significant concerns. The incident occurred around 2 AM today, and while the exact number of victims is still being determined, officials are actively assessing the situation.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, confirmed the abduction and noted that security agencies are currently on the ground, including police tactical units and military personnel, who are conducting search-and-rescue operations in the surrounding forests. The state commissioner of police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema, also verified the incident and emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate and rescue the abducted individuals.
In light of the elevated threat level in the Niger North Senatorial District, the government has taken precautionary measures, including the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of boarding schools in the area. Usman assured the public that the government is maintaining close communication with security forces and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, the Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, also confirmed the incident and mentioned that the number of abducted students and staff is still being verified. The Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, indicated that further details would be released later.
The situation underscores the ongoing security challenges faced in the region, particularly concerning the safety of educational institutions.
