BREAKING: Bandits kidnap students, staff in overnight attack on Niger State Catholic school

BREAKING: Bandits kidnap students, staff in overnight attack on Niger State Catholic school

A fresh wave of insecurity has hit Niger State as bandits kidnapped several students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, during a late-night raid on Thursday.

Although the full details are still being compiled, early reports indicate that a significant number of students were abducted after armed attackers invaded the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.

A source within the Catholic community in Niger State confirmed the incident, noting that the church is still verifying the exact number of victims. “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details for now. The church will issue an official statement later,” he said.

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Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Niger State Police Command are ongoing, with spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stating he would provide updates later.

However, the Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via phone, adding that authorities are working to determine the precise number of abducted students and staff.

This latest school attack comes on the heels of the Kebbi school abduction, where 25 students were kidnapped earlier in the week, heightening concerns over the rising spate of school kidnappings across northern Nigeria.

Just a day earlier, more than 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State due to escalating bandit activities.

President Bola Tinubu has already cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the federal government’s response to the deteriorating security situation.

BREAKING: Bandits kidnap students, staff in overnight attack on Niger State Catholic school