Police tactical units and military components have been deployed to Papiri in Niger State to rescue students of St Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, who were kídnapped earlier this morning.
Business Post reports that an unspecified number of students and staff were abducted at the Catholic-based institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Confirming the abduction, the Niger State Police Command said the kídnapping occurred about 2.00 am on Friday.
It said police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.
According to a statement from SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Command, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated its commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.
He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the state government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.
The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where over 20 students were kídnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.
On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State as a result of rampaging bandits.
President Bola Tinubu had cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate response to insecurity.