By Obinna Uballa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the attack as “truly heartbreaking” and calling for urgent, sweeping action to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Responding on X on Friday to reports of the incident, Atiku questioned the government’s slow response to repeated attacks on schools. “How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken?” he asked.
He urged the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity, saying the scale and frequency of violent attacks demand extraordinary measures.
“It is not too late for the government to finally declare a state of emergency on insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves,” Atiku stated.
Tension has enveloped the Papiri community after armed men stormed the Catholic school between 2 am and 3 am on Friday, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff. Church sources in Niger State confirmed the attack but said the exact number of victims was still being compiled.
The Niger State Government said the school had resumed operations despite an earlier closure directive, claiming the move exposed students and workers to danger. Security forces, including police and military operatives, have now been deployed to the area for rescue operations.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has also condemned the raid, urging authorities to ensure the swift recovery of the abducted persons.
The incident occurred just days after 25 students were seized from a girls’ boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, deepening nationwide concerns over the escalation of school attacks across northern Nigeria.
