By Fatima Mukhtar
Parents of the remaining students at St. Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State have begun withdrawing their children after the recent attack by armed men that resulted in the killing of several pupils.
Speaking to Hausa Daily Times, the Chairman of the Parents–Teachers Association (PTA), Emanuel Bala, said the attackers stormed the school on motorcycles and in two vehicles, a small car and a Hilux van. He explained that officials are still working to determine the exact number of students abducted, as both primary and secondary school pupils were taken.
The Niger State Government has condemned the attack, describing it as tragic and unacceptable. However, the government placed responsibility on the school management, accusing them of reopening the boarding sections without the state’s approval. The government noted that it had earlier issued a directive ordering the closure of all boarding schools in the northern part of the state following intelligence reports about planned attacks on schools.
Parents at the scene expressed fear for the safety of their children and frustration over the recurrent attacks on educational institutions in the region. Many said they had no choice but to immediately withdraw their children until security conditions improve.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to verify the number of abducted students and to intensify security operations in the area.
