By Desire Emmanuel
The Niger State Police Command on Friday confirmed the abduction of “a yet-to-be ascertained” number of students inside the hostel at a school in the state.
The command disclosed that on Friday, November 21 around 2.00a.m., some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area and abducted the students from the school’s hostel.
However, unconfirmed sources disclosed that no fewer than 100 students were abducted during the night invasion by the bandits.
The state police command said its tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students.
The command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students, adding that necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities.
The incident comes a few days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.
On Thursday, over 50 schools were closed down in Kwara State as a result of attacks by bandits.
