Niger Government Blames St. Mary’s School For Mass Abduction Of Pupils
The Niger State Government has blamed the management of St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, for the mass abduction of pupils in the school.
The government accused the school management of violating a security directive issued weeks earlier based on intelligence warnings.
In a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the government said it received news of the kidnapping “with deep sadness.”
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 release said the government acted on the intelligence by issuing “a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.”
The government, however, lamented that St. Mary’s School disregarded the instruction.
It said: “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.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
