Number Of Pupils Not Yet Confirmed – Niger Govt Speaks On Abducted Students

The Niger State Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, describing the incident as a painful reminder of ongoing security threats confronting parts of the state.

While confirming the attack, officials said the exact number of students taken is still being determined as security agencies continue their assessment.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the government disclosed that it had earlier raised alarm over intelligence pointing to increased bandit activity across communities in Niger North Senatorial District.

According to the statement, authorities had issued a directive suspending all construction activities and temporarily shutting down boarding schools in the high-risk zone.

The government noted with regret that St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without clearance, despite the advisory. This decision, it said, exposed both pupils and staff to avoidable danger. “This unfortunate incident comes despite a prior intelligence report,” Usman stated, reiterating that the directive was issued as a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding lives.

Security operatives have since launched a full-scale investigation alongside search-and-rescue operations, with the government assuring that it is in close contact with military and police formations coordinating the response. Officials pledged to provide updates as more details emerge.

The state with Umaru Bago as Governor appealed to school administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders to comply strictly with security advisories, stressing that the protection of children remains an overriding priority.

Residents were urged to stay calm and support security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts.