Bandits kidnap Niger Catholic school students, staff

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted an unknown number of students and staff members during an attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

It was gathered that the bandits attacked the school in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, abducting a yet-to-be-ascertained number of victims.

Confirming the incident via a statement, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora Secretary, Fr. Jatau Joseph, said gunmen invaded the school between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday.

Joseph stated: “Armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, in the early hours of 21st November 2025, abducting some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot.

“The incident occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., causing fear and distress within the school community.”

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Joseph added that security agencies were immediately informed and have begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of the victims.

The Niger State Police Command had yet to speak on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

The latest attack comes barely three days after bandits struck in the Maga area of Kebbi State and abducted no fewer than 25 students.

The gunmen also attacked the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting many others.

The Star