Tension has gripped Niger State following a midnight assault on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, where terrorists abducted several students and staff members.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, shooting a security guard and whisking away pupils, students, teachers, and other staff. Eyewitnesses described the raid as chaotic, with gunmen firing sporadically before forcing victims into waiting vehicles.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the attack in a statement signed by its Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Joseph. The Diocese expressed deep concern over the safety of the abducted individuals and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. “Armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, abducting some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot,” the statement read Business Hallmark.
Local officials also verified the incident. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, said the terrorists struck in the early hours, adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined. Some reports, including Arise TV, suggested that as many as 52 students may have been taken, though authorities have not confirmed this figure Ripples Nigeria.
The Niger State Police Command acknowledged the attack but said details were still being compiled. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun promised to provide updates as investigations continue The Punch. Meanwhile, military and police tactical units have reportedly been deployed to the area to begin search-and-rescue operations Information Nigeria.
The raid has sparked widespread fear among families and residents of Papiri, with many gathering at the school to seek information about their loved ones. Community leaders have condemned the attack, describing it as another tragic reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly in rural areas vulnerable to terrorist and bandit incursions.
The incident adds to a growing list of school abductions in Nigeria, recalling the Chibok (2014) and Kagara (2021) kidnappings, which drew global outrage. Analysts warn that the repeated targeting of schools undermines education and deepens trauma among children in conflict-prone regions.
Sources
The Punch
Ripples Nigeria
Business Hallmark
Information Nigeria
