Terrorists everywhere overwhelming security personnel, and gradually overrunning the Federal Government.
By Lydia Tumaka
Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have abducted no fewer than 100 students and staff of St. Mary’s School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the hoodlums stormed the school at night, abducted the hapless students and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
An official of the school, who confirmed the incident, but preferred not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the institution was currently compiling its records to determine the exact number of abducted persons.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also confirmed the attack and kidnapping of the students in a statement by the Diocese Secretary, Fr. Jatau Joseph, on Friday.
It said that the terrorists attacked the school between 1am and 3am, sent panic within the school community, and left a security personnel with a gunshot wound.
Ahmed Rofia, Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, also confirmed the incident to newsmen, adding that the gunmen raided the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman of the police command in the state, also confirmed the incident without providing further details on it.
The latest abduction comes days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, and have yet to be released.
The series of events are heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the country.
