Malik Yahya/
Heavily armed terrorists launched a pre-dawn raid on St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, early on Friday.
The attack, which occurred between 3am and 4am, targeted the boarding facilities, and local sources say more than 100 students and several teachers were abducted.
St. Mary’s is a private Catholic secondary school with a hostel, and most of the victims are believed to be boarding students sleeping at the time of the invasion.
Although no casualties have been confirmed, residents reported widespread panic and confusion as the attackers overpowered local security presence.
Security forces have since mobilised, but neither the Niger State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement on the incident.
There are still no confirmed rescues or arrests.
This latest mass abduction comes amid a surge in violent attacks across the country.
Earlier in the week, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, kidnapping 25 schoolgirls and killing the vice-principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, as he attempted to protect the pupils.
Police and military units are still conducting search operations in nearby forests.
In Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, bandits also attacked a church service on Tuesday night, killing several worshippers and abducting many others, including the pastor.
The victims were taken into the surrounding bush, with their current whereabouts unknown.
Meanwhile, the military suffered a major blow when terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly captured and murdered Brigadier-General Mohammed Uba in Borno State.
The militant group released images claiming responsibility, further heightening fears about their growing capacity and reach.
The string of attacks has intensified concerns over worsening insecurity in Nigeria, with terrorists and bandits increasingly targeting schools, places of worship, and even top military officers.
Parents and communities remain anxious as calls grow louder for more effective intelligence-driven action and protection of vulnerable areas.
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