Gunmen kidnap over 50 students from Catholic school in Nigeria

Panic has gripped communities in Niger State after armed men attacked a Catholic secondary school in the early hours of November 21, abducting what officials say could be dozens of students, according to Arise TV.

Estimates of the number of abducted students vary widely, with figures ranging from 50 to 100. Officials say the exact tally remains unclear as assessments continue.

The raid on St Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area took place between 03:00 and 04:00 local time, according to security sources. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the compound and forced students into a vehicle before fleeing.

Mohammed Inuwa, a senior legislative aide to MP Jafar Muhammad Ali, told journalists: “It happened around 3 to 4 am. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed. The police command of the local government is informed.”

Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said officers were verifying the reports and did not provide further details on the ongoing security response.

In a statement, the Niger State Government condemned the attack, saying it occurred despite earlier intelligence warnings about heightened threats in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District. Authorities said boarding schools in the affected zone had been ordered to close temporarily as a precaution.

“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 staff to avoidable risk,” said the statement signed by Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman.

Officials said a full investigation and search-and-rescue operation is underway, adding that the government remains in close contact with security agencies. School owners and community leaders were urged to adhere to previously issued security directives.

“The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” the statement added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev