Terrorists in the early hours of Friday stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of students and teachers.
Community members who visited the scene shortly after the attack told Hobnob News that the operation, described as highly coordinated, took place between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
The Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, alongside the media aide to the Chairman of Agwara LGA, Bello Gidi, confirmed the incident.
Gidi, speaking to Hobnob News, said initial reports suggest that over 100 students and teachers may have been taken, noting that the school is a mixed institution for both boys and girls.
However, community residents said the exact number remains unclear, with some witnesses estimating that “more than a dozen” children were taken. The figures circulating locally have not yet been independently verified.
Security agencies have not issued an official statement.
Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said he is still working to confirm the details of the attack.
This latest abduction comes just five days after terrorists attacked Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, where about 25 female students were abducted, one staff member was killed, and a school guard was injured during the assault, which occurred around 5:52 a.m.
The attackers reportedly opened fire as the students were preparing for morning routines, causing widespread panic.
In a related incident, terrorists earlier launched a deadly attack on Rogun Village in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, killing two security operatives after invading a police outpost and engaging officers in a prolonged gun battle.
Residents across affected communities remain on edge as security agencies intensify efforts to track the attackers and secure the safe return of abducted victims.
