Terrorists Reabduct Papiri Schoolchildren in Deadly Niger State Attack

Some pupils of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been reabducted by terrorists following a fresh attack on communities in the area, residents and security sources said.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening at Kasuwan Daji and Kaima communities, where at least 35 people were killed. Those abducted included women, children and school pupils who had only recently regained freedom after earlier negotiations with the government.

Residents said the attackers stormed the communities, opened fire on villagers and set parts of the local market ablaze before taking several people away.

A community source said the victims were forced into the Kainji National Park, which the terrorists reportedly use as an operational base.

“The attackers killed 37 people in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri and another five in Kaima village. Many were abducted, including children and some students who had earlier been released,” the source said, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

The Catholic Church in the area also confirmed the incident. Stephen Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, said the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction during an earlier visit by the terrorists to the mission house.

“They destroyed religious items, took two motorcycles and over ₦200,000 in cash. They were searching for the priest, but he escaped. Some villagers, including children, were abducted,” Mr Kabirat said.

The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents in Agwara and neighbouring areas. Five days earlier, suspected bandits fleeing military operations in Kwara State reportedly attacked Gebe and Goro communities, killing two people and burning more than 15 houses. About a week before that, gunmen attacked a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps checkpoint in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, and made away with arms and ammunition.

Residents said the insecurity has forced many communities to flee their homes.

“Several villages have been displaced. Some families have been sleeping in the bushes out of fear, especially since some of the abducted schoolchildren returned,” one villager said.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attacks. Its spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said police received reports around 9 p.m. on Saturday that armed bandits had attacked multiple communities, killing over 30 people and abducting an unspecified number of victims.

“A joint security team has visited the affected areas, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted persons,” Mr Abiodun said.

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and directed security agencies to secure the release of the captives and arrest those responsible.