JUST IN: Terrorists Raid Catholic School in Niger, Students and Staff Abducted

St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, was attacked in the early hours of Friday, leaving an unconfirmed number of students and staff abducted. The raid occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., according to Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government. Authorities are still working to determine the exact number of victims as investigations continue.

A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the attack, stating, “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day.” The source added that the school is still compiling records to understand the full extent of the abduction.

The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said that further details would be provided later. “We are currently assessing the situation and will release official information as soon as it becomes available,” he said.

The attack has intensified fears over the safety of schools in northern Nigeria. This incident comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped from a school in Maga, Kebbi State, highlighting a troubling trend of violent raids on educational institutions. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia expressed concern over the recurring attacks, noting, “Communities are living in fear. Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the students and staff and work with security agencies to secure the area.”

On Thursday, more than 50 schools in Kwara State were closed as a precaution following a series of bandit attacks. In response to the escalating insecurity, President Bola Tinubu canceled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate government efforts in addressing the crisis.