Police Vow Prompt Action As Terrorists Abduct Students In Niger
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Barely 72 hours after bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State and abducted 25 schoolgirls, terrorists have abducted students and staff members of St. Mary’s School in Niger State.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger state Police Command, Adamu Elleman, who confirmed that the development has given the assurance that the command would ensure the safe release of the students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government of the state.
A statement on Friday, by the Commsnd’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, says the CP further urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as operations are underway for their safe return.
Abiodun said the incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on Friday, when armed bandits invaded the school hostel and whisked the students away, adding that police tactical units, alongside military components and other security agencies, have been deployed to the area and are currently combing the adjoining forests to rescue the students.
He also said that according to the CP, necessary action would be taken against the school management for allegedly defying a state government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to prevailing security challenges.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, said in a statement that the attack occurred despite earlier intelligence reports indicating heightened security threats in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
According to him, the government—based on the intelligence—had ordered the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the affected zone. He however, noted that St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to danger.
The SSG said security agencies had commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and staff. He added that the state government was in close contact with relevant security formations and would provide updates as more information becomes available.
While urging school proprietors, community leaders, and stakeholders to strictly comply with government security advisories, Usman appealed to the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies.
Meanwhile, a resident of the community said the abducted pupils and staff members were not fewer than 100. He added that the terrorists stormed the school premises between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. before whisking the victims away.
