A mere five days after marauding terrorists abducted scores of schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, another large-scale tragedy has struck—this time in Niger State. In the early hours of Friday, armed attackers stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting students and teachers in a sweeping overnight raid.
Although early reports put the number of kidnapped schoolgirls at 56, local officials say the true figure is far higher. According to updates from the Agwara Local Government authorities, over 100 students—both boys and girls—and several teachers were taken by the attackers.
The assault reportedly occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, confirmed the incident. Bello Gidi, media aide to the Chairman of Agwara Local Government, also verified the attack in a phone call with SaharaReporters.
“Yes, it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School,” Gidi said. “The information reaching us is that over 100 students and teachers have been taken. It is a mixed school with boys and girls.”
Security agencies have not yet issued an official statement.
The latest abduction comes just five days after terrorists attacked Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in neighboring Kebbi State, kidnapping about 25 female students and killing at least one staff member during the raid.
Niger State Government Reacts, Blames School for Ignoring Security Directive
In an official press release titled “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of Pupils in Papiri Area… Reiterates Earlier Security Directive,” the government expressed deep sadness over the new abduction and noted that the exact number of victims is still being verified.
The government, in the statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, on November 21, 2025, revealed that it had earlier received credible intelligence warnings indicating an increased threat level in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
Based on this intelligence, the state issued directives suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone.
However, St. Mary’s Papiri reportedly reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying authorities or obtaining the required clearance.
“This exposed pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” the government said.
A full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation has begun, and the state says it remains in close communication with security agencies.
The government urged school owners, community leaders, and residents to strictly comply with security advisories to prevent further tragedies. It also appealed for calm and encouraged the public to provide any useful information that could support rescue efforts.
