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Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirms attack on St. Mary’s School, with students and teachers kidnapped.
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Niger government admits receiving intelligence warnings, says school ignored directive to stay closed.
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Security agencies launch search-and-rescue mission as number of abducted victims remains unconfirmed.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed the attack and abduction of students and teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement released by the Diocese Secretary, Fr. Jatau Joseph, the Church said the assault occurred between 1:00am and 3:00am, causing widespread fear within the school community. A security guard was reported to have sustained a gunshot injury during the attack.
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Fr. Joseph condemned the incident, expressing deep concern for the safety of the abducted children and staff. He said security agencies were immediately alerted and have launched coordinated operations to rescue the victims.
He added that the Diocese is working closely with security operatives, community leaders and government authorities to ensure the safe return of those taken. The Church also urged the public to remain calm and continue praying for the victims.
Separately, the Niger State Government also confirmed the abduction.
The Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, earlier acknowledged the attack in a phone confirmation.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman explained that the government had previously issued a security directive based on intelligence warnings indicating a heightened threat in the northern senatorial district.
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According to him, all boarding schools in the affected zone were ordered to suspend academic activities as a precaution. However, St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened without notifying or seeking clearance from the government.
Usman said security agencies have now commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations. He assured that updates would be provided as the situation develops.
He urged school proprietors and community leaders to strictly comply with government advisories in the interest of public safety, emphasising that safeguarding the lives of children remains a top priority for the administration.
The attack comes amid a surge in violent incidents across several parts of Nigeria. The Federal Government recently linked the renewed wave of terrorist activity to recent statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
