Terrorists have reportedly abducted students and teachers at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident was said to have occurred around 2am on Friday.
Secretary to the Niger state government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman who confirmed the incident said the number of pupils abducted cannot be ascertained for now.
According to him, “the exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
The state commissioner of police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema who also confirmed the incidence said, “Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.
Usman, in a statement, revealed that the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence pointing to an elevated threat level across parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
He said the government had, in response, issued a security directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the zone as a precautionary measure.
He added that security agencies have launched full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The government also assured the public that it remains in close communication with security formations and will provide updates as the situation unfolds.
Also confirming the incident, Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, disclosed that the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified.
About the Author
