BREAKING: Terrorists Invade Another Catholic School in Niger, Kidnap Hundreds of Students and Staff

In yet another alarming escalation of attacks on educational institutions in northern Nigeria, an unconfirmed number of students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident, which reportedly took place in the early hours of Thursday, has reignited fears over the deteriorating security situation in schools across the region.

 

According to sources who spoke to Daily Trust, armed men stormed the school sometime between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., overwhelming the school’s limited security arrangements. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who are suspected to be members of a well-organized terrorist or bandit group, took advantage of the darkness to abduct a significant number of students and staff. The exact number of victims is yet to be determined, as authorities continue to assess the scope of the attack.

 

A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, noting that the school was still in the process of compiling its records. “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,” he said, adding that the church was deeply concerned about the welfare of those abducted.

 

The Niger State Police Command, when contacted, refrained from providing immediate figures. The Spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would release official details once investigations were underway. Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, confirmed the attack via telephone. He noted that the actual number of students and staff abducted had not yet been determined as authorities were still conducting assessments.

 

This latest abduction is part of a disturbing trend of attacks on schools across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, where terrorists and bandits have increasingly targeted educational institutions in recent years. In a similar incident just days ago in Maga, Kebbi State, 25 students were kidnapped, prompting widespread concern about the safety of children in schools.

 

The spate of attacks has forced some states to take drastic preventive measures. On Thursday, over 50 schools in Kwara State were reportedly closed due to threats posed by armed bandits operating in the region. Parents and teachers alike have expressed fear and anxiety, as children are kept away from classrooms to avoid becoming targets of abduction or violence.

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responding to the growing insecurity, reportedly canceled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate federal efforts in addressing the spate of kidnappings and violent attacks. The presidency has emphasized the urgency of restoring safety to schools and communities, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity as a national priority.

 

Security analysts warn that the rise in attacks on schools is not only a security threat but also a potential long-term threat to education in the region. Children who are abducted often suffer trauma that affects their psychological and social well-being, while parents may become increasingly hesitant to send their children to school, leading to higher dropout rates. This cycle of fear and disruption threatens to reverse years of progress in literacy and education in affected states.

 

The modus operandi of these attacks typically involves armed men striking schools in the early hours of the morning when security is weakest. They often demand ransoms for the release of kidnapped students and staff, a strategy that has made educational institutions lucrative targets for criminal and terrorist networks. Experts believe that these attacks are increasingly coordinated, with intelligence suggesting that perpetrators monitor school routines and security measures to maximize the impact of their raids.

 

Communities in Niger State and beyond are calling for urgent action from both state and federal authorities to safeguard schools and ensure that children can pursue education without fear. Local leaders have urged the government to deploy security personnel to vulnerable areas, strengthen surveillance systems, and engage with community leaders to prevent future attacks.

 

While authorities work to establish the exact number of students and staff abducted at St. Mary’s School, families are understandably anxious and distraught. Social media has been flooded with appeals for information and prayers for the safe release of those kidnapped. Many residents have expressed frustration at the seeming frequency of such attacks and the slow pace of government responses.

 

Human rights organizations and civil society groups have also weighed in, calling for a renewed focus on security in schools and warning that continued attacks could erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens. “Education is a fundamental right, and children must be allowed to attend school safely,” said one advocate. “The government must take decisive steps to prevent further abductions and bring perpetrators to justice.”

 

The attack at St. Mary’s School serves as a grim reminder of the complex security challenges facing northern Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for coordinated strategies that combine intelligence gathering, rapid response, community engagement, and long-term policy solutions to safeguard education and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable communities by armed groups.

 

As investigations continue, both the Niger State government and federal authorities face mounting pressure to provide answers and actionable solutions. Meanwhile, parents, teachers, and students await updates, hoping for the swift rescue of the kidnapped individuals and for measures that will restore confidence in the safety of schools across the region.

 

The tragic pattern of attacks on educational institutions, particularly those affiliated with religious organizations, highlights the vulnerability of such schools to violence and abduction. It also stresses the importance of national and community efforts to secure learning environments, ensuring that children can continue their education without the looming threat of terrorism or banditry.