By Frank Ulom
MINA (CONVERSEER) – A group of heavily armed men in the early hours of Friday attacked St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, and abducted an unconfirmed number of schoolgirls.
According to Zagazola Makama, the incident, which occurred at about 02:00 AM, was allegedly carried out by terrorist elements operating around the Kainji National Park.
The vast forested terrain of the Kainji National Park has long been identified by security agencies as a sanctuary exploited by terrorist groups for concealment, logistics and staging of attacks.
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the incident, describing the kidnappers as bandits.
“The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November 2025, at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel,” a statement by SP Wasiu Abiodun, PPRO, Niger State Command, on Friday read.
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“However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.
“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.
“He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges,” the statement added.
This is coming in after a group of terrorists kidnapped 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.
