The Niger State Police Command has deployed tactical teams to rescue the abducted students of St. Mary’s Private Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state, just as it revealed that the school defied a state government order that it should remain closed.
The command spokesperson and a Superintendent of Police, SP Wasiu Abiodun, revealed this in a statement in Minna on Friday.
He said the incident occurred at about 2am on Friday, when armed bandits invaded the school hostel and whisked the students away.
Abiodun said police tactical units, alongside military components and other security agencies, have been deployed to the area and are currently combing the adjoining forests to rescue the students.
He said the command’s Commissioner, CP Adamu Elleman, has given the assurance that they would ensure the safe release of the students.
Elleman urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as operations continue.
He said necessary actions would be taken against the school management for allegedly defying a state government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to prevailing security challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen invaded the school and abducted an unspecified number of students and staff members.
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A resident of Agwara, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the school is located about 8km from Agwara town along the Agwara-Borgu Road.
