The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 227 individuals, including 215 students and 12 teachers, were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.
CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who visited the community, disclosed that parents have been reassured of ongoing collaboration between the government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
How the Attack Happened
The invasion reportedly occurred around 2 a.m., when heavily armed attackers stormed the school.
- A security guard was killed during the assault.
- Students and teachers were forced into a truck.
- The vehicle later broke down, forcing the kidnappers to march the victims deeper into the forest on foot.
Several students managed to escape during the chaos, prompting parents to rush to the school and evacuate their children. The school has since been shut down until further notice.
Government Criticizes School for Reopening
The Niger State government condemned the school’s management for resuming academic activities despite prior warnings about increased security threats in the area.
According to state officials, St. Mary’s School had been advised to remain closed pending security clearance—an instruction the institution reportedly ignored.
Security Agencies Launch Rescue Mission
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that:
- Special tactical teams
- Military units
- And other security formations
…have been deployed in a coordinated rescue operation across the surrounding forests.
Authorities say they are “working round the clock” to locate and safely recover the abducted students and staff.
Community in Distress as Fear Spreads
The abduction has thrown Papiri and surrounding communities into deep tension. Parents and residents have expressed fear, frustration, and helplessness as they await updates from authorities.
Many describe the attack as another devastating reminder of the rising spate of school kidnappings and insecurity spreading across northern Nigeria.
