PAPIRI, Niger State – Several students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, managed to escape their abductors early Tuesday morning when the vehicle the bandits used to transport them broke down shortly after the kidnapping, according to eyewitness accounts.
The incident marks the second mass school abduction in Nigeria within four days, following the kidnapping of 24 female students in Kebbi State last Friday.
Armed bandits reportedly stormed the private Christian school around 2 a.m. in large numbers, arriving on motorcycles and immediately firing gunshots to intimidate students and any security personnel in the vicinity.
“The bandits snatched a car to convey the abducted students while others were whisked away on motorcycles,” an eyewitness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told NewsFocus. “However, the vehicle broke down just a few meters from the school and was abandoned.”
The mechanical failure created a critical window of opportunity. “While the kidnappers were looking for an alternative vehicle, some of the students managed to escape,” the source explained, adding that other students had earlier fled through the school fence during the initial chaos.
The exact number of students who escaped versus those still being held remains unconfirmed as security agencies continue their assessment.
Both the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and the state police command have confirmed the incident. In an official statement, Usman revealed that the state government had previously issued security alerts and ordered the temporary closure of boarding schools in the area.
“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government,” Usman stated, noting this action “exposed pupils and staff to avoidable risk.”
Police Commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Ellema confirmed that “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.”
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also issued a statement through its Diocesan Secretary, Father Jatau Luka, condemning the attack and urging the public to remain calm while supporting security efforts to ensure the safe return of all victims.
Search-and-rescue operations continue in the surrounding forests as authorities work to determine the exact number of students still missing and secure their safe return.
