Terror Attack on Catholic School: Niger State Govt Blames School Mgt

The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unconfirmed number of pupils and teachers of Saint Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area. The Secretary to the State Government, ABUBAKAR USMAN, said the number of victims of the early morning attack by terrorists could not be immediately confirmed. USMAN confirmed that the state government had earlier received credible intelligence indicating elevated security threats across Niger North Senatorial District. He said based on the intelligence report; the State Government ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected areas. However, he said despite the proactive measures adopted, the management of the Catholic-owned Saint Mary’s School allegedly resumed academic activities without notifying or obtaining clearance from the government. Meanwhile; operatives of the tactical units of the Niger State Police Command, together with the military components, have been deployed in the Papiri area for search and rescue of the abducted school children. This was made known in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent WASIU ABIODUN, who confirmed that terrorists attacked the school at about 2am earlier today. SP ABIODUN further disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, ADAMU ABDULLAHI ELLEMAN, appealed for calm and assured that the school children would be rescued from their abductors. Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has condemned the attack and abduction of students and teachers of Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State. The Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN, Most Reverend BULUS YOHANNA, said the church was actively working with the security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the students. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has also condemned the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers at Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, and the fatal shooting of a security worker during the attack. In a statement signed by the Diocesan Secretary, Reverend Father JATAU LUKA JOSEPH, the leadership of the church described the incident as shocking and deeply troubling.