The Niger State Government has criticised St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, for disregarding earlier security warnings, which it says exposed pupils to abduction.
In a statement on Friday, November 21, signed by Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, officials confirmed that the exact number of abducted students is still unknown as security agencies continue their assessment and rescue operations.
The statement revealed that the government had received credible intelligence indicating elevated security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
In response, authorities directed the temporary closure of boarding schools and suspension of construction activities in the area as a precautionary measure.
“Despite these directives, St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or obtaining clearance from the government, exposing pupils and staff to severe risk,” the statement said.
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Security agencies have since launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation to recover the abducted students.
The state government said it remains in constant communication with security formations and will provide updates as the situation develops.
The statement urged school owners, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly comply with security advisories, emphasising that the protection of lives, particularly children, is the administration’s highest priority.
Citizens were asked to stay calm and provide credible information to aid rescue efforts.
First Daily reports that armed gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in the early hours of Friday, arriving on more than 60 motorcycles and a van. The school’s gatekeeper was shot and seriously injured during the raid.