Again! Students And Staff Abducted In Another Attack In Nigerian School

Students and staff have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in an attack on a Catholic boarding school in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred before dawn, around 2 a.m. local time, at St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of the Agwara local government area in Niger state, according to the Nigeria Police Force’s Niger State Command, which said in a statement that “armed bandits” had “abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the school’s hostel.”

“Police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students,” police added.

The Niger state government also confirmed in a statement that it “has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area,” adding that the “exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.”

The statement noted that the “unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence” warning of heightened threats in part of Niger state and the governor” 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,” Abubakar Usman, secretary to the Niger state government, said in the statement.

It’s the latest in a string of recent attacks by armed groups across Nigeria, including Monday’s kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in nearby Kebbi state.

The incidents have prompted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to postpone planned trips abroad.

Meanwhile, in an update, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary schools in Papiri and the abduction of students of the school.

In a statement by its Chairman, Most. Rev. Bulus Yohanna, the association also revealed that some teachers and security workers were forcibly taken away by the gunmen.

It said the incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday.

“The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, formerly, notifies all that suspected terrorists invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary schools in Papiri, Agwarra local government area of Niger state.

“The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, abducting some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot.

“The CAN strongly condemns the attack and expresses deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families,” the statement partly read.

Yohanna assured the public that the Church is actively collaborating with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities.

The chairman, who is also the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called on the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue to pray for the safe and quick return of all abductees.

“The CAN also reaffirms our commitment to the protection of Children and promises to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.

The attackers had reportedly stormed the school in the Agwara Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Friday.

Sources said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, riding on over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van.

They were said to have shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him with serious injuries.