The Government of Niger State Government on Friday faulted the St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, over the kidnap of its pupils.

According to the government, the incident occurred because the school reopened without government clearance despite a prior directive suspending boarding activities in the area.

Details of the attack remain unclear, but according to Daily Trust, multiple sources said several students were taken during the midnight raid.

In a statement signed and released by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, on Friday, the government said it had received credible intelligence warning of an increased threat in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District which led to the order of the suspension of all construction work and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected zone.

Usman said; “This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.

“Regrettably, 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.”

He added that the exact number of pupils taken remains unconfirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation while explaining that security forces have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted children.

He added; “The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.

“We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts.”

This is coming less than one week after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State.

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