In a chilling turn of events that has rocked the very foundation of our community, armed bandits have brazenly stormed St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Niger State, snatching away innocent students in the dead of night,a scene straight out of a horror movie! This shocking raid, which occurred in Papiri within the Agwara Local Government Area, has left parents and residents trembling with fear as they grapple with the grim reality of this violent attack.

Eyewitnesses reveal that the nightmare unfolded around 2 a.m. when the cowardly assailants opened fire on sleeping students, turning a place of learning into a battleground. The chaos erupted as students, still half-asleep, were jolted awake by gunfire, with those who dared to flee into the bushes tragically falling victim to the heartless kidnappers. Can you imagine the horror?

In a statement that has sparked outrage, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the attack, announcing that police and military forces were dispatched in a desperate bid to rescue those taken. But wait,there’s more! He ominously hinted that the school’s management may face consequences for defying a state directive to shut down due to escalating security threats. Is this really the time to point fingers?

“The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, and abducted an as-yet-uncounted number of students from the school’s hostel,” Abiodun stated, painting a terrifying picture of helplessness. But fear not, dear readers! The police and military are on the case, combing through forests in an attempt to locate the victims. However, will they arrive in time?

Just weeks ago, another heartbreaking incident occurred in Kwara State, where over 25 students were taken, leading to the tragic death of a vice principal. It’s as if these incidents are becoming routine, raising troubling questions about the safety of our educational institutions!

This latest abduction follows a similar horrifying event in February 2021, where 42 individuals, including 27 students, were kidnapped in Kagara, Niger State. With the whereabouts of missing teachers still shrouded in mystery, the fear gripping our community is palpable. When will this violence end?

The community is paralyzed with anxiety as authorities scramble to secure the safe return of the abducted students. The urgent need for reinforced security measures to safeguard our schools has never been clearer.