Gunmen launched an attack on a Catholic boarding school in western Nigeria, leading to the abduction of over 200 schoolchildren and teachers. The incident occurred at St Mary’s School in Agwara, Nigeria, as reported by the Christian Association of Nigeria. Parents have been informed that efforts are underway in collaboration with government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the children.
Among those abducted were four grandchildren of Dauda Chekula, aged between seven and ten. Mr. Chekula expressed concern over the lack of information following the morning abduction. The Niger State Police Command confirmed that the abductions occurred early in the day, prompting the deployment of military and security forces in the area. St Mary’s School is classified as a secondary school catering to children aged 12 to 17 in Nigeria.
A satellite image revealed the school’s proximity to a primary school with numerous classrooms and dormitories, situated near a major road connecting Yelwa and Mokwa. Despite prior intelligence warnings of increased threats, the school resumed activities without notifying the State Government, according to a statement from the secretary to the Niger state government. Residents, like Umar Yunus from Papiri, highlighted the lack of official security presence during the attack, with reports of a security staff member being injured.
The recent abductions follow a separate incident in Kebbi state, where gunmen attacked a high school and kidnapped 25 schoolgirls, with one managing to escape. Additionally, in Kwara state bordering Niger state, assailants targeted a church, resulting in two fatalities and the abduction of 38 worshippers. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 100 million naira per captive, leading to President Bola Tinubu canceling his attendance at the G20 summit in South Africa.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent the president at the summit, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the abducted individuals and holding the perpetrators accountable. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Niger and Kebbi state, criminal gangs are commonly linked to such incidents, targeting schools and communities for ransom. Former herders, now armed, are often involved in these criminal activities following disputes over resources with farming communities.