Suspected terrorists raid Niger school, abduct students, staffers

Suspected terrorists have abducted some students of and members of staff of St. Mary’s School, school in Papiri community in Agwara Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the incident the Niger State Government said the number of victims was yet to be ascertained, adding that security agencies were still assessing the situation.

However, a resident of the area who preferred anonymity told our correspondent that the abducted pupils and members of staff were not fewer than 100.

He said the terrorists stormed the school premises around 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. and abducted the victims

Alhaji Abubakar Usman Secretary to Niger Government, in a statement in Minna on Friday condemned the incident.

Usman said the incident occurred in spite of earlier intelligence reports indicating heightened security threats in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

According him, the government, based on the intelligence, had ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone.

He said, however St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the government, thereby exposing pupils and staffers to danger.

The SGG said security agencies had commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils.

He further said that the state government was in close contact with relevant security formations and would give updates as more information becomes available.

He urged school proprietors, community leaders and stakeholders to comply strictly with government security advisories.

Usman appealed to the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their operations.

The Niger state Police Command was yet to comment on the development.