By Rismadarvoice, 21 November 2025
Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of students and staff of St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area, describing the incident as deeply saddening, especially coming just two days after a similar attack on a girls’ school in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government disclosed that the exact number of abducted persons remains unclear as security agencies continue to assess the situation and gather accurate intelligence.
The statement revealed that the government had earlier received intelligence indicating an elevated threat level across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
In response, authorities issued directives suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the high-risk zone as a preventive measure.
However, despite the security alert, the government expressed regret that St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or obtaining clearance, thereby exposing students and staff to what it described as “avoidable risk.”
“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils,” the SSG stated.
Alh. Usman added that the state government is in constant communication with relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
He appealed to school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories issued by the government, emphasizing that the protection of lives—especially those of children—remains the administration’s highest priority.
The state government also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies by providing any information that could support rescue efforts.
