The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Minna, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, said the exact number of abducted persons was still being compiled as security agencies and school authorities continue assessment.
Describing the incident as disturbing, the government said the kidnapping occurred despite earlier intelligence reports warning of heightened security threats across the Niger North Senatorial District, where the school is located.
According to the statement, the State Government had directed the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
However, St. Mary’s reportedly reopened and resumed academic activities without seeking clearance from the government—an action officials say exposed pupils and staff to avoidable danger.
Security agencies have commenced full-scale investigation and launched search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
This latest incident adds to previous kidnappings in the state. In February 2021, 42 students and staff were abducted from Government Science College, Kagara. In May 2021, more than 100 pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamic School, Tegina, were kidnapped.