Niger State Government Blames School Management Over Papiri Student Abductions
The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, which occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on November 21, 2025.
In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, revealed that the government had previously issued a directive closing all boarding schools in the area following credible intelligence of heightened security risks. Despite the warning, the affected school resumed operations without notifying or seeking clearance from state authorities.
“The government received prior intelligence indicating increased threats in parts of the northern senatorial district and accordingly suspended school activities as a precaution,” Usman said. “St. Mary’s School, however, reopened in defiance of the directive.”
Authorities are conducting full-scale search and rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted students. The government is working closely with all security agencies and urged school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to comply strictly with security advisories to safeguard lives.
The abduction comes just a week after 25 students were kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive School in Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
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