Dozens of Pupils Abducted from St. Mary’s School in Niger State

Barely a week after terrorists kidnapped school girls in Kebbi State, Armed men have abducted dozens of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in a brazen early morning attack.

According to multiple reports, the attackers, described as heavily armed, arrived around 1:00–2:00 am on motorcycles and in a van, firing shots into the air to intimidate residents. Some pupils reportedly escaped into the surrounding bushes, while others were forcibly taken away.

The exact number of abducted students and staff remains unclear, with estimates ranging from 50 to over 100.

The Niger State Government condemned the incident, noting that the school had reopened without official clearance, in violation of a prior government directive suspending boarding activities in the area due to security concerns.

Authorities described the attack as “deeply saddening and avoidable.”

Security forces, including police and military tactical teams, have been deployed to rescue the abducted pupils and restore order in the area. Community leaders have called for urgent action to ensure the safety of students and residents.

The attack adds to the growing list of security challenges facing schools in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by banditry, kidnapping, and rural insecurity.