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An eyewitness has narrated how some students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State escaped from their abductors.
Recall that armed bandits struck in Niger state earlier today, abducting unspecified number of students from a private Christian school, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri.
The ugly incident was said to have occured around 2 a.m.
This is coming barely four days after a similar incident occured in Maga, Kebbi State, during which 24 female students were abducted from a Girls Secondary School.
The bandits, who came in large numbers, rode on motorcycles to the school.
A dependable source from the area, who spoke to our correspondent out of anonymity, said the bandits started firing gunshots immediately they got to the school premises to scare the students and any security agents around.
The eyewitness said: “They operated for few hours unhindered. And at dawn, they snatched a car, which they used to convey the abducted students while some others were wisked away on motorcycles.
“However, the vehicle snatched and used to ferry the students out of the area broke down few meters away from the school, and was abandoned.
“While looking for an alternative to get another vehicle to carry them out of the area, some of the students escaped.
“Some of the students also escaped through the school fence.
“But till now, we are yet to ascertain the number of students abducted,” the source declared.
Secretary to the Niger state government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman and the state police command confirmed the incident, adding that steps have been taken to rescue the students unhurt.
The Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in a statement, said government was yet to ascertain the number of pupils abducted.
According to him, “the exact number of abducted students is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
“Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara.
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
“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,” the SSG remarked.
He, however, said that security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils, adding that the State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates.
The state commissioner of police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema who also confirmed the incidence, said: “Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.”
