BREAKING: Bandits invade Catholic school in Niger state, Nigeria, abduct staff and students

Bandits have invaded St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unknown number of students and staff.

According to sources, the attack occurred during the night, with several students taken. A representative from one of the state’s Catholic churches confirmed the incident but said details were still being compiled. “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” the source said.

The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that more information would be released later. Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Department for Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, confirmed the attack, noting that the assailants struck between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., and the exact number of abducted students and staff is still being verified.

The raid comes just days after a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over growing insecurity in northern schools. On Thursday, over 50 schools in Kwara State were closed due to escalating bandit activities.

In response to the rising insecurity, President Bola Tinubu recently cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to focus on coordinating the federal government’s efforts to address the situation.