The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, authorities confirmed that a full-scale investigation and a coordinated search-and-rescue operation are underway to secure the safe return of the kidnapped students.
The government expressed concern that the school had resumed academic activities without official clearance. It recalled that construction work and all boarding school operations in the area had earlier been suspended due to heightened security threats. The reopening of St. Mary’s, according to the statement, violated the directive and exposed both students and staff to avoidable danger.
Usman said the state government is working closely with security agencies and will continue to provide updates as efforts intensify. He also urged residents to cooperate with authorities by sharing any useful information that could assist in the rescue operation.
