The Niger State Government has blamed St. Mary’s School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, for reopening without approval before the kidnapping of several pupils during a midnight raid.
The school was said to have resumed boarding activities despite an earlier government directive shutting such facilities in the area over security concerns.
Details of the incident remained sketchy on Friday, though Daily Trust reported that several students were seized during the attack.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, confirmed the incident by telephone, saying the gunmen struck between 2am and 3am. He noted that the exact number of abducted students and staff was still being compiled.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the government said it had earlier received intelligence indicating an elevated threat in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk,” Usman said.
He added that security agencies have launched investigation and rescue operations, urging stakeholders to comply with government safety advisories.
The abduction came days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were taken, deepening concerns over rising insecurity around schools.