Gunmen Attack School In Niger State, Abduct Students

Gunmen Attack School in Niger State, Abduct Students

In the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, tragedy struck in Niger State, Nigeria, when armed men stormed St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, located in Agwara Local Government Area.

The attackers abducted an undisclosed number of students and teachers, marking yet another devastating incident in the growing wave of school kidnappings across northern Nigeria.

The Attack

According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen arrived in large numbers, riding over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. They forcefully entered the school premises between 3 and 4 a.m., shooting the gatekeeper and leaving him critically injured. The attackers then proceeded to abduct students and teachers from the Catholic boarding school, causing widespread panic and grief within the community.

Scale of Abduction

While the exact number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed, community sources fear the figure could exceed 100. Families and residents of Papiri have been left in anguish, uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.

Police and Security Response

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abduction and announced that tactical units, military components, and other security operatives had been deployed to the area. Extensive search operations are ongoing across surrounding forests to secure the immediate and safe rescue of the victims. Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid rescue efforts.

Government Reaction

The Niger State Government condemned the incident, describing it as “deeply saddening and avoidable.” In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, authorities revealed that credible intelligence had earlier warned of heightened security threats in Niger North Senatorial District. Consequently, the government had ordered the closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone. However, St. Mary’s School reportedly ignored this directive and reopened without clearance, exposing pupils and staff to grave danger.

Religious and Community Response

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora strongly condemned the attack, expressing shock and deep concern for the safety of the abducted children and their families. The Diocese emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures to protect vulnerable communities and institutions.

Broader Context

This attack is part of a disturbing pattern of abductions targeting schools and places of worship in northern Nigeria. Less than a week earlier, bandits kidnapped 26 girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal in the process. Similarly, at least 30 worshippers were abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, which left three people dead.

National Response

President Bola Tinubu condemned the recent spate of abductions and extended condolences to affected families. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maga, Kebbi State, to commiserate with victims of the earlier school attack, underscoring the federal government’s concern over the escalating crisis.

Let’s Take A Break

The abduction at St. Mary’s School in Niger State underscores the persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s northern region. It highlights the vulnerability of schools and communities despite government directives and security interventions.

As search-and-rescue operations continue, the nation watches anxiously, hoping for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers, while grappling with the urgent need for stronger measures to protect its children and educators from the scourge of banditry.