School Abductions in Nigeria: Latest Attack at St. Mary's Secondary School

In a concerning escalation of violence targeting educational institutions in Nigeria, armed bandits stormed St. Mary's Secondary School in Niger State during the early hours of Friday morning, abducting an unknown number of students and staff members. According to official statements from Nigerian authorities, the attack occurred at approximately 2 a.m. when armed assailants entered the Catholic boarding school that educates children aged 12 to 17.

The Attack and Immediate Response

The Niger State Police confirmed receiving reports of "armed bandits" entering the school premises in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government. Military security forces and tactical units were immediately deployed to the scene following the attack. The school, which serves as both a secondary institution and boarding facility, had reportedly resumed academic activities despite security warnings about heightened threats in the region.

Security Failures and Warnings

According to Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the Niger State Government, the school administration failed to heed clear security advisories that included directives to "suspend all construction activities and to temporarily close all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure." In his official statement, Usman expressed regret that "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."

Broader Pattern of Abductions

This latest incident represents the third major abduction in the region within days. Just prior to the St. Mary's attack, gunmen targeted the Government Girls' Comprehensive Secondary School in neighboring Kebbi State, approximately 170 kilometers from Papiri, kidnapping 25 female students. In that incident, one girl managed to escape, but the school's vice-principal was killed during the attack. Separately, armed assailants attacked a church in Kwara State on Monday, killing two worshippers and abducting 38 churchgoers.

Government Response and Security Measures

Nigerian authorities have activated "all necessary security measures to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and to prevent future occurrences," according to official statements. The government has emphasized that "the protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration" and has urged schools, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to security advisories issued for public safety.