Federal lawmakers from Niger State have condemned the abduction of students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area, demanding urgent federal action
The Niger State caucus in the National Assembly has condemned the abduction of students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area, describing it as a heartbreaking reminder of the deepening security crisis confronting the state and the country.
The abduction at St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, which occurred on November 21, 2025 involved 303 students and 12 teachers being taken hostage by armed gunmen in a mass kidnapping as revealed by the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.
This incident is one of the largest school kidnappings in Nigeria’s recent history
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the lawmakers expressed “deep concern and profound sorrow” over the attack carried out by armed terrorists, noting that the incident has once again exposed the vulnerability of schools and rural communities in Niger State.
“We stand in full solidarity with His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Government of Niger State, the people of Agwara LGA, the affected families, and the entire citizenry of Niger State at this difficult time,” the caucus stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent children, their parents, teachers, and the entire community traumatized by this senseless act.”
The legislators, drawn from both the Senate and House of Representatives, strongly condemned the kidnapping and pledged to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safe and immediate rescue of the abducted students. They insisted that no child or community in Niger State should “be left at the mercy of terror.”
The caucus said the Agwara attack reflects the escalating wave of terrorism, banditry, and mass abductions ravaging parts of the north. From violent raids to disruptions of livelihoods, they warned that insecurity has continued to destabilize communities and endanger lives across the region.
According to the statement, the deteriorating situation in Niger state is part of a broader national security challenge that demands coordinated and sustained action.
The lawmakers called for stronger security measures, including:
“Enhanced military and security deployment across flashpoints in Niger state, especially border communities like Agwara.
“Strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms to prevent and counter attacks.
“Improved inter-agency collaboration and support for community-based security initiatives.
“Greater Federal Government intervention to reinforce the efforts of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Niger State Government in restoring peace and safety,”
The caucus reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for more robust federal support for the state.
“As the Niger State Caucus in the National Assembly, we remain fully committed to engaging the Federal Government and security institutions to prioritize Niger State,” the lawmakers declared.
They also pledged to advocate for increased funding, manpower, and operational capacity for security agencies, as well as to support legislative reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
They urged residents of Niger state, particularly those in Agwara, to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing rescue operations, while calling on security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe return of the abducted students and the arrest of the perpetrators.
“May God protect Niger State, safeguard our children, comfort the affected families, and grant lasting peace to Agwara LGA, Niger State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The joint statement was signed by senators and members of the House of Representatives from Niger State, including Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, Sen. Peter A. Jiya, Rep. Abdullahi Idris Garba, Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Abdullahi Mamudu, Rep. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Rep. Jafaru Mohammed, Rep. Yusuf Kure Baraje, Rep. Joshua Audu Gana, Rep. Ismaila Musa Modibbo, Rep. Adamu Tanko, and Rep. Abubakar Abdu Buba.
