Suspected terrorists have abducted students and members of staff of St. Mary’s School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred three days after the Kebbi State Government confirmed the abduction of 25 female students of Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, during which the school’s vice principal was killed by the attackers.

Confirming the latest incident on Friday in Minna, the Niger State Government said the number of victims had yet to be determined, adding that security agencies were still assessing the situation.

However, a resident of the area, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that no fewer than 100 pupils and members of staff had been abducted.

He said the terrorists invaded the school premises between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. and whisked away the victims.

In a statement, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, condemned the attack.
Usman said the incident occurred despite earlier intelligence reports indicating heightened security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

According to him, the government, acting on the intelligence received, had ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone.

He stated, however, that St. Mary’s School had reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the government, thereby exposing pupils and staff members to danger.

The SSG said security agencies had commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils.

He added that the state government was in close contact with relevant security formations and would provide updates as more information becomes available.

Usman urged school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to comply strictly with government security advisories. He appealed to the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their operations.

The Niger State Police Command had yet to comment on the development as of the time of filing this report.

The attack mirrors the recent abduction in Kebbi State, where terrorists seized about 25 female students from Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School and killed at least one staff member. A school guard was also injured in that attack, which occurred around 5:52 a.m.

According to accounts from the Kebbi incident, the gunmen entered the school compound as students prepared for their morning routines and opened fire indiscriminately before taking the students away.