By Our Reporter
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 abducted students and teachers in the early hours of Friday.
In a statement issued by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Joseph, the Church said the gunmen stormed the school between 1am and 3am, shooting a security guard and whisking away pupils, students, teachers, and other members of the school community.
“The Diocese expresses deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families,” the statement read. “Security agencies have been informed and coordinated efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims.”
The Bishop assured that the Church is working closely with security operatives, community leaders, and government authorities to secure the safe return of the abducted persons. He also appealed for calm and urged the public to support ongoing rescue operations and pray for the victims.
The attack came just days after a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, further heightening concerns over rising insecurity in schools across the North. In response to escalating threats, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State on Thursday.
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening security situation.