The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, gave a firm assurance to parents and residents regarding the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.
The governor stated that the state government is working round the clock with security agencies to secure the safe rescue of the students and staff. He expressed deep sympathy for the parents, saying he feels their pain and shares in their anguish over the incident.
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when suspected bandits attacked the school, taking a reported 265 pupils, students, and staff. The Governor made these comments during an executive retreat at the Government House in Minna, describing the incident as heartbreaking and condemnable, and affirming his full commitment as the Chief Security Officer and a parent to securing their release.
Update on Rescue Efforts (Based on reports up to December 4, 2025):
* Following the abduction, reports indicate that approximately 50 students managed to escape or were found, and have been reunited with their families, though the exact circumstances remain a point of clarification by local sources.
* Security efforts are intensified, with tactical squads and local hunters deployed for search and rescue operations.
* The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has also visited the state, conveying President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope and assuring the parents that the children “will come back safely,” with international support noted from countries like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
* The Niger State House of Assembly also condemned the incident and threatened to shut down legislative business if the children were not rescued.
I can check for further recent updates on the actual release or rescue of the remaining victims if you would like.
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