Dare Babalola
The Niger State Government has reacted to the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, blaming the school management for defying a directive to temporarily close boarding schools due to security threats.
In a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, on Friday, the government said it received news of the kidnapping “with deep sadness.”
The statement noted that despite prior intelligence warning of increased threat levels, the school resumed academic activities without government clearance, exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk.
The government faulted the school for violating a security directive issued weeks earlier following intelligence warnings.
It added that the “exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed” as security agencies continue their assessment.
According to the statement, the attack occurred despite prior intelligence indicating “an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.”
The government said it had 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.
“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils.
“The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
“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.”
Security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the abducted students, with the government urging school proprietors and stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories.
