Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity following yet another mass abduction of schoolchildren, this time at St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Reacting on Friday through a post on 𝕏, Atiku described the recurring kidnappings as devastating and unacceptable.
He wrote, “Not again. This is truly heartbreaking.
“How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? 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.”
According to security sources, armed men stormed the Catholic-run school in the early hours of Friday, arriving in large numbers on over 60 motorcycles, supported by a van. They whisked away an unspecified number of students and staff, leaving the community in panic.
The incident marks the latest in a disturbing surge of school kidnappings across northern Nigeria. It comes less than a week after 26 students were seized from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.
The Vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed while attempting to protect the students.
Similarly, at least 30 worshippers were abducted on Tuesday during a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State, where three people were killed.
In response to earlier abductions, President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to the families affected. He also directed Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to visit the victims and coordinate federal support.
The Niger attack, however, has amplified public pressure on the government to adopt stronger measures amid concerns that insecurity, particularly school abductions, is spiraling beyond control.
