An unknown number of pupils from St. John Primary and Secondary School in the Papiri ward of the Agwara local government region of Niger state have been kidnapped by bandits.  

Although the specifics of the kidnapping are yet unknown, the crime was reported to have happened on Friday at around two in the morning.  

The abduction has been confirmed by the Niger State Government, which has requested that all construction and boarding institutions in the region cease operations.

It was disappointed to learn that the boarding school had reopened.  

According to a statement made by Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, the government 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 after receiving a prior intelligence report indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

It said: “The Niger State Government received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.

“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of 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.”

According to the Niger State Government, security authorities have started a thorough investigation and search and rescue efforts to ensure the students' safe return.

Source