Terrorists Kidnap Over 50 Students from Private Christian School in Niger!

Terrorists Kidnap Over 50 Students from Private Christian School in Niger!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A Catholic boarding school in Niger State has been attacked by armed gunmen, resulting in the abduction of dozens of students in a locale further exposing Nigeria’s endemic insecurity. St. Mary’s School, Papiri, located in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, was invaded early on Friday morning, and at least 52 students were reported to have been taken away. [1]

“We deeply regret this incident. Lives have been needlessly exposed to danger.” — Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman. [2]

Key Details:

• The raid occurred between approximately 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary & Secondary School hostel in Papiri, Agwara LGA. [3]
• The exact number of abducted students is yet to be officially confirmed; media reports quote 52 students seized. [1]
• The Niger State Government condemned the attack and said the school had reopened without securing clearance despite prior intelligence warnings.
• Security operatives — including police tactical units and military components — were immediately deployed to comb adjoining forests in search of the captives. [4]

Why It Matters:

• This abduction adds to a growing list of mass kidnappings of students in Nigeria, not only affecting access to education but undermining public trust in security mechanisms. [5]
• It highlights the vulnerability of educational institutions in remote regions, particularly when intelligence warnings are ignored and state security directives are not followed.
• The incident may further catalyse national and international pressure on the Federal Government for the protection of children and the overhaul of rural security infrastructure.

What to Watch:

• The official final count of abducted students and any demands from the kidnappers, including ransom or conditions for release.
• Progress and updates from the Niger State Government and security agencies regarding the rescue operation.
• Potential policy responses from the Federal Government, including safeguards for schools and stricter enforcement of advisories in conflict‑prone zones.
• Citations:

1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/gunmen-nigeria-kidnap-52-students-school-arise-tv-reports-2025-11-21/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. TheCable: www.thecable.ng/catholic-school-reopened-without-clearance-says-niger-government-on-students-abduction/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/21/terrorists-attack-catholic-school-in-niger-state-abduct-dozens-of-students/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. TheCable: www.thecable.ng/police-tactical-units-combing-forests-to-rescue-niger-catholic-school-students/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. AP News: apnews.com/article/527d72882b7692de8c806d784661590e?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. AP News: apnews.com/article/157834ff945cc4efde47d37bb6ed4a88?utm_source=chatgpt.com
7. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/niger-govt-confirms-kidnap-of-pupils-in-agwara-blames-school-for-ignoring-security-directive?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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