The Niger State Government is deeply concerned following the abduction of over 300 pupils and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, described the incident as “both saddening and preventable,” confirming that security agencies are still verifying reports and assessing the scale of the crisis.
Despite prior intelligence warning of heightened security risks and orders to close boarding schools in high-risk areas, St. Mary’s School resumed operations without government approval, exposing students and staff to grave danger. In response, intensive search-and-rescue operations and investigations are underway to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.
Authorities have appealed to school owners, community leaders, and the public to comply strictly with security advisories and provide any information that could aid in rescuing the kidnapped children. The incident compounds Nigeria’s growing security challenges as the government works tirelessly to protect its citizens.
Leave a comment