The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has condemned the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, where armed men reportedly abducted students, teachers, in the early hours of Friday.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Diocese said the assailants invaded the school at midnight, during which a security personnel was shot and several members of the school community were taken away.

The statement read, “This is to inform us that armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, in the early hours of 21st November 2025, abducting some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot.

“The incident occurred between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, causing fear and distress within the school community.”

The Diocese condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families.

It said security agencies were immediately informed and have begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of the victims.

The Bishop assured the public that the Diocese is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the victims’ safe return.

The Diocese appealed for calm, urged the public to support ongoing security operations, and called on everyone to pray for the safe and quick rescue of those abducted.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of children and said further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.

“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” the statement added.

The incident comes days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were seized, raising concerns about the increasing insecurity in schools across the region.

In Kwara State, over 50 schools were shut down on Thursday following bandit attacks.

President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening security situation.

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The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area, describing the incident as “deeply saddening and avoidable.”

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, the government confirmed that the exact number of abducted pupils has not yet been established, as security agencies are still carrying out assessments and gathering accurate information.

The statement revealed that the government had earlier received credible intelligence indicating elevated security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

Acting on these reports, the State Government said it directed the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected areas as a proactive safety measure.

Despite this directive, St. Mary’s School allegedly reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or obtaining clearance from the government, a violation which, according to the SSG, exposed pupils and staff to severe risk.

Security agencies have since launched a full-scale investigation and intensified search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils.

The Niger State Government says it remains in constant communication with security formations and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

The government appealed to school owners, community leaders, and stakeholders across the state to strictly adhere to all security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. It reiterated that the protection of lives—especially those of children—remains the administration’s highest priority.

Citizens were urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that may aid ongoing rescue efforts.

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