An unknown number of students and staff have been kidnapped from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic school in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
Although full details are still unclear, sources told Daily Trust that several students were taken when armed attackers raided the school.
A church source in Niger State confirmed the incident but said the school is still counting how many people are missing.
He explained that the church will release an official statement later.
The police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said more information will be shared soon.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, the head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, confirmed by phone that the attack happened between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., but the exact number of abducted students and staff is still being verified.
Security concerns growing across the region
This kidnapping comes shortly after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken, raising fears about worsening safety in schools across the region.
Just on Thursday, more than 50 schools were closed in Kwara State due to bandit attacks.
In response to the rising insecurity, President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned trips to South Africa and Angola to focus on security issues at home.
