The Niger State Government has revealed that it received credible intelligence alerting officials to an increased threat of attacks in parts of the Niger North Senatorial District prior to Friday’s abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School, Papiri.
In a statement signed and released on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the government said it had already issued precautionary directives in response to the security alerts. These included the suspension of all construction work and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the high-risk zone.
Usman described the incident as deeply regrettable, noting that St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without notifying or seeking clearance from the state authorities.
“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,” the statement read.He added that the exact number of abducted pupils remains unconfirmed as security agencies intensify their assessments.
The SSG further disclosed that security forces have commenced a full-scale investigation alongside search-and-rescue operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the missing children.
“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,” Usman added.
The attack occurred just days after a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, deepening fears over the rising insecurity facing schools in northern Nigeria. The situation worsened further on Thursday when more than 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State due to persistent bandit activities.
The latest abduction has once again reignited concerns about the vulnerability of educational institutions across the region and the urgent need for stronger security measures.
