Number Of St. Mary’s Catholic School Students Abducted In Niger Attack Still Unknown – Police
••••Deploy Tactical Unit, Military Components For Rescue Operation
•By Admin
MINNA – NIGER State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a yet to be ascertained number of secondary school students of St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger state by suspected armed bandits.
The invasion at about 2.00 am, 21st November, 2025 (Friday), according to local sources indicates that suspected armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from their hostel.
Also a statement signed by the Diocesan Secretary, Jatau Luka Joseph, said the attackers armed with sophisticated weapons stormed the school and abducted pupils, students, teachers and security personnel who was reportedly shot at before being taken away as well.
While calling for prayers to ensure safe return of the abductees, Joseph pray that God touches the hearts of those behind the dastardly act to have the fear of God.
Meanwhile, Niger Police Command in a statement said it has activated tactical units, military components and other security agencies to the scene, combing surrounding forests with a view to rescue the students.
Press statement signed by SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, the Commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), quoted the Commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Elleman as reiterating the Command’s commitment to ensure that the students are rescued unhurt.
While expressing optimism that the students, staff, including the security men will be rescued alive, the police appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations by offering useful information to make rescue of the victims easy.
The incident will be investigated and necessary actions taken against anyone or group of persons suspected to have played significant role in the abduction, including the school’s management for defying the order to discontinue academic activities.
The statement which recalled Niger state government’s directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges, said defying the order may have led to the Papiri attack.
•INDEPENDENTNG.