By Ayodele Oni
The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of an unspecified number of students of St Mary’s Catholic College in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government. The Government, however, said that the management of the school should be held responsible for the sad incident.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, on Friday, November 21, 2025, the Government said it had prior intelligence information on the activities of terrorists in the area, and warned schools not to open. It, however, regretted that the management of the School, shunned the order, and opened, thus, exposing the students and teachers to danger.
The Government says it still does not even know the number of students and staff abducted by the terrorists.
The statements reads in full:
“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.*
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.
“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils. The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
“The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.
“We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts.
“Signed,
Alh. Abubakar Usman
Secretary to the Niger State Government
21-11-2025”
This sad incident comes on the heels of the abduction, a couple of days ago, of 25 female students from a secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, and killed the Vice Principal and a Security Guard.
One of the Kebbi students escaped. The others are yet to be rescued.
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