Terrorists Abduct Students and Staff from Catholic School in Niger State, Heightening Fears Over Rising Insecurity

A group of terrorists in the early hours of Friday attacked St. Mary’ Catholic School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, kidnapping an unknown number of students and staff. The incident has deepened concerns over the escalating wave of school abductions across northern Nigeria.

Attack Carried Out at Dawn

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the school at daybreak, arriving heavily armed and firing sporadically to create panic. Students and staff reportedly fled in fear as the gunmen moved through the premises before capturing several victims.

School officials say they are still compiling the complete list of abducted persons, as many students were dispersed during the chaos. Residents of the Papiri community described the attack as “terrifying” and “unexpected,” noting that the area had not experienced such violence in recent months.

Church and Local Authorities yet to Release Official Statement

A source who spoke to “Daily Trust” confirmed the abduction, explaining that the Catholic Church is preparing an official statement. The source added that community leaders are working with the local parish to gather accurate information about the victims.

Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Command have been unsuccessful. Calls to the state police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, went unanswered, leaving residents frustrated over the lack of immediate security response or updates from authorities.

Community in Shock as Families Await Information

Parents and guardians rushed to the school shortly after news of the attack spread, many of them desperate for information about their children’s whereabouts. Some families said they have not heard from their wards since the attack, intensifying fears as the hours pass without confirmation from security agencies.

Local vigilante groups have begun combing nearby bushes in collaboration with community members, though no official rescue operation has been announced.

Growing Pattern of School Abductions

This latest incident mirrors a disturbing pattern of school attacks in the region. Earlier this week, terrorists kidnapped at least 25 female students from a government school in Kebbi State, marking one of the most recent mass abductions targeting educational institutions.

Security analysts warn that these repeated attacks highlight the increasing boldness of armed groups operating in the region, as well as the glaring gaps in intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms.

Calls for Immediate Government Action

Human rights groups, security experts, and education advocates have renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools, especially in rural areas. They stress that the rising frequency of abductions has severe implications for education, with many parents now reluctant to allow their children to attend school.

Community leaders in Agwara LGA are also appealing to the federal and state governments for urgent intervention, saying the safety of students and the future of education in the area hang in the balance.

More Updates Expected

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Niger State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official update on the attack or the steps being taken to secure the victims release. Residents and families remain on alert, hoping for swift government action and communication.