An eyewitness has given a detailed account of how some students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State managed to escape after armed bandits stormed the school and abducted several pupils in a terrifying early-morning attack.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, shortly after heavily armed bandits invaded the school compound and forcefully took students away.
Bandits Launch Midnight Invasion
According to residents, the attack happened around 2 a.m. and created widespread panic across the community. This latest incident comes just four days after 24 female students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, marking yet another devastating blow to school safety in northern Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the school in large numbers, riding motorcycles into the premises and firing shots to instill fear and prevent resistance.
A local resident, who chose not to be named, explained that the bandits operated for several hours without interruption. They reportedly seized a vehicle belonging to the school to transport the abducted students, while others were forced onto motorcycles and taken away into the forest.
How Some Students Managed to Escape
The eyewitness revealed a twist of fate that allowed some students to regain their freedom. According to him, the vehicle the bandits stole developed a mechanical fault a short distance from the school, forcing the attackers to abandon it.
While the bandits attempted to find another vehicle, some students saw an opportunity and fled into nearby bushes. Others reportedly scaled the school fence to escape in the chaos. The exact number of students who escaped and those who were taken remains uncertain.
Government Reacts to the Attack
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, confirmed the incident, noting that officials were still working to determine the number of abducted students.
He stated that intelligence reports earlier warned of increased bandit activity in Niger North, prompting the government to order schools in high-risk areas to shut down temporarily.
Usman disclosed that St. Mary’s School reopened without official clearance, exposing its pupils and staff to danger. He assured the public that a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation had been launched in collaboration with security agencies.
Police Mobilize for Rescue Operation
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema, also confirmed the attack. He revealed that police tactical teams, military units, and other security agencies were already deployed to the scene.
He added that the forces were actively searching the forests and surrounding areas in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted students as quickly as possible.
Catholic Diocese Condemns the Attack
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack in a statement signed by the Diocesan Secretary, Father Jatau Luka. He confirmed that the incident took place between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy.
He said the Diocese was working closely with security agencies, community heads, and government officials to secure the safe release of the abducted students.
The Diocese urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and pray for the safe return of all victims.
History of Similar Attacks
This tragic event echoes a previous incident at Government Science College, Kagara, where students and teachers were kidnapped before being rescued by security forces during an intensive operation.
The repeated attacks have sparked renewed fears among parents, community leaders, and education advocates who continue to call for stronger security measures to protect schools in vulnerable regions.