-
Terrorists attack St Mary’s Catholic School, kill 42 people, including women and children.
-
Students and villagers abducted again after earlier release; attackers launch strikes from Kainji National Park.
-
Local communities report markets burned, homes looted, and ongoing threats; security agencies working on rescue.
Suspected terrorists have killed at least 42 people and abducted an unspecified number of students and villagers in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
The victims include pupils of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, who had recently regained their freedom.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The attackers, operating from Kainji National Park, reportedly struck Kasuwa Daji and Kaima villages on Saturday, setting markets ablaze, looting goods, and abducting residents along the way.
A source familiar with the incident explained, “They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji, five in Kaima village, and abducted many, including children and recently freed students. Villagers are living in fear, with some sleeping in bushes to avoid attacks.”
READ ALSO: Terrorists Attack Plateau Community, Kill Seven Residents, Others Missing
The Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese confirmed the tragedy. Rev Father Stephen Kabirat, the church’s Communications Director, said the terrorists had targeted parish premises, destroying religious items, taking motorbikes, and cash. He added that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack. SP Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson, said a joint security team had visited the scene and rescue operations were ongoing.
This attack comes shortly after fleeing bandits from a military operation in Kwara State attacked communities in Agwara LGA, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his New Year address, promised enhanced security measures, stating his government was collaborating with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism.
