Niger Government has condemned the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area of the State. It, however, blamed the school for failing to adhere to warnings issued against reopening schools in the zone.
According to the government, there were credible security alerts against reopening of schools in the area. The government received the news with “deep sadness” and is working closely with security agencies to assess the situation, according to the statement issued by the Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG) Alh. Abubakar Usman.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation, ” he stated. Usman said this unfortunate incident occurred despite a prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
Mohammed Umaru Bago, Niger State Governor whose government is playing the blame game in the misdst of hightened insecurity
He disclosed that in response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
“Regrettably St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk,” he said.
The SSG also stated that security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils. Usman revealed that the Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
The Government urged school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. “The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.
“We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts,” the statement added.
