Armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Niger State around 2 a.m. on Friday, attacking student hostels and abducting an unconfirmed number of pupils, with eyewitnesses claiming over 100 students were taken.
According to witnesses, the attackers entered the school grounds quietly, taking students by surprise. No casualties have been reported so far, as security forces, including the police, military, and local vigilante groups, were immediately deployed to comb surrounding forests and villages in search of the victims.
The Niger State Government condemned the school for continuing classes despite rising security threats in the region. A government spokesperson warned that authorities would hold school management accountable for ignoring directives to suspend activities.
“This is a tragic incident, and we are working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted students,” the spokesperson said.
The raid comes a week after bandits abducted 25 girls from a school in Kebbi State, highlighting a growing trend of attacks on educational institutions in Northern Nigeria. Security experts have warned that rising banditry in the region continues to threaten schools and students, especially in remote areas.
Police sources confirmed that investigations and rescue operations are ongoing, urging residents to provide credible information to aid the search. “Our tactical teams and the military are working around the clock to rescue the abducted students safely,” a senior police officer said.
Sources: Witnesses at St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School, Niger State Government spokesperson, police sources, local media reports.
