Tension has enveloped Niger State following a midnight raid on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area, where terrorists abducted an as-yet-undetermined number of students and staff.

Although details remain sketchy but multiple local sources confirmed that several students were taken during the late-night assault, heightening fear and anxiety across the community as families await official updates.

A source from one of the Catholic churches in the state confirmed the incident but said the church would release a formal statement later.

“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide further information soon.

However, the Head of Disaster and Relief at the Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack in a phone interview, stating that the gunmen struck between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. He added that authorities were still working to ascertain the exact number of abducted students and staff.

In a separate report, Arise TV said 52 students were abducted.

The attack comes just days after a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, deepening nationwide concern over rising insecurity in schools across northern Nigeria.

The crisis intensified further on Thursday when more than 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State due to escalating bandit activity.

Amid the worsening security situation, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response.

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, also confirmed the incident in a statement released on his official Facebook page, titled: “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of Pupils in Papiri Area of Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.”

“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.

The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the statement read.

Security operations are reported to be underway as authorities work to track the attackers and rescue the victims.