Authorities have confirmed that armed terrorists launched a violent attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, abducting more than fifty students and staff members. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, sending shockwaves across the community and raising urgent concerns about the safety of schools in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed assailants stormed the school premises, firing sporadically before forcibly taking students and staff into captivity. Local residents described scenes of panic as families rushed to the school upon hearing gunfire. Security forces have since been deployed to the area, and a search-and-rescue operation is underway to locate and secure the release of the victims.
Government officials have condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act against innocent children and educators.” The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that every effort is being made to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The abduction marks yet another tragic episode in the ongoing wave of insecurity affecting schools in northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become a recurring threat. Religious leaders and civil society groups have urged authorities to strengthen security measures around educational institutions and provide immediate support to affected families.
Parents and guardians of the abducted students remain in anguish, appealing for swift action to ensure the safe return of their loved ones. The incident has reignited national debate over the protection of schools and the urgent need for coordinated strategies to combat terrorism and banditry in the region.