Niger State lawmakers in the National Assembly have condemned the abduction of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, describing the attack as yet another stark reminder of the escalating insecurity confronting the state and the North.
In a joint statement released in Abuja, the caucus lamented the assault, during which armed men whisked away pupils, teachers and a security guard.
They noted that the tally of missing children had continued to increase as rescue efforts widened, deepening public anxiety and outrage.
The lawmakers expressed solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the state government and families of the victims, stressing that “no child in Niger State should be left at the mercy of criminal elements.”
They added: “As representatives of the people of Niger State, we condemn this attack and reaffirm our commitment to work with security agencies to ensure the safe and immediate rescue of the abducted students.”
According to the caucus, the Papiri incident reflects the broader security collapse unfolding across the state—from banditry and mass abductions to terror attacks and communal clashes.
They said the pattern mirrors the national security crisis and requires a stronger, more coordinated response from all levels of government.
They urged the Federal Government to scale up military deployment in vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence mechanisms, improve inter-agency synergy and bolster the ongoing security measures already introduced by the Bago administration.
The lawmakers also pledged sustained engagement with federal authorities to ensure Niger State remains a priority in security planning, including advocating increased funding, manpower and support for operations across the state.
They further promised to pursue legislative interventions aimed at enhancing national security reforms.
Residents were encouraged to remain calm and vigilant while security agencies continue search-and-rescue efforts.
The statement was endorsed by Senators Mohammed Sani Musa, Abubakar Sani Bello and Peter Jiya, alongside House of Representatives members Abdullahi Idris Garba, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Abdullahi Mamudu, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Jafaru Mohammed, Yusuf Kure Baraje, Joshua Audu Gana, Ismaila Musa Modibbo, Adamu Tanko and Abubakar Abdu Buba.