BREAKING: Bandits attack Catholic school, abduct students, others

Several students and staff members have been kidnapped following an overnight attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Although full details are still emerging, sources told said that a significant number of students were taken when bandits raided the school late Thursday night.

A source within one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident, explaining that the institution was still in the process of verifying those affected.“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.

Efforts to get comments from the Niger State Police Command were ongoing, as spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said he would provide further information later.

However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, verified the incident by phone.

He reported that the attackers struck between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., and that authorities were still determining the exact number of abducted students and staff.

The assault follows a similar kidnapping in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken earlier in the week, intensifying concerns about rising insecurity around schools in the region.

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

President Bola Tinubu had also cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening security situation.

(DAILY TRUST)