In a shocking escalation of insecurity in Niger State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 88 additional students have been declared missing following a violent attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. This development brings the total number of abducted individuals to 315, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers, highlighting a growing humanitarian crisis and renewed concerns over school safety in northern Nigeria.
Early Morning Attack Sparks Panic
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, caught the school community off guard. Eyewitnesses reported that armed assailants, described as highly organized and heavily armed, stormed the campus, forcing students into vehicles and firing sporadically to deter resistance. Some students attempted to flee into nearby bushes, but tragically, a significant number of those who tried to escape were recaptured by the attackers, contributing to the additional 88 missing students recently confirmed by CAN.
School staff and witnesses revealed the chaos that ensued during the raid. A school security guard was reportedly shot in the line of duty, demonstrating the violent nature of the intrusion. Students and teachers alike were terrified, with the assailants exercising precise control over the school premises before disappearing into surrounding areas with their captives.
CAN and Government Respond
The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged both federal and state authorities to prioritize rescue operations and deploy specialized security forces to recover the abducted students and teachers safely. The association condemned the attack as a grave violation of human rights and demanded urgent action to prevent further abductions in the state.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has stated that St Mary’s Catholic School had resumed activities despite a prior security advisory warning, which urged the temporary closure of boarding schools in vulnerable areas due to heightened security threats. Authorities emphasized that the school’s management did not seek clearance or notify security agencies before reopening, potentially complicating efforts to safeguard students in high-risk regions.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Security agencies, including the police and military, have been mobilized to track the abductors and ensure the safe return of the victims. Efforts include intelligence gathering, surveillance, and negotiation strategies, although authorities have not yet confirmed whether talks for the release of the students and teachers have commenced.
The increased abduction count underscores the challenges faced by security forces in northern Nigeria, where similar incidents have become distressingly common. Kidnappers, often referred to locally as “bandits,” have increasingly targeted schools due to perceived vulnerabilities, sometimes demanding ransoms that strain local communities and government resources.
Implications for School Security and Public Trust
This incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols for educational institutions in conflict-prone regions. While advisories and warnings are issued, the ability of schools to act upon them can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. The Niger State government’s statement highlights a broader issue of accountability and coordination between educational authorities and security agencies.
Parents, educators, and civil society organizations are calling for comprehensive measures to protect students, including stricter enforcement of security advisories, investment in school security infrastructure, and proactive engagement with local communities to mitigate risks of abduction.
Broader Context of Kidnappings in Northern Nigeria
Nigeria has witnessed a troubling pattern of school abductions, particularly in the northern regions. Armed groups increasingly target students as a source of ransom and leverage. Past incidents have involved hundreds of children, drawing international condemnation and highlighting the persistent security vacuum in affected areas.
Experts suggest that addressing the root causes of these abductions requires a multi-faceted approach, combining intelligence operations, community engagement, policy enforcement, and educational sector reform to ensure that schools remain safe havens for learning rather than sites of terror.
