Atiku calls for state of emergency as fresh school abductions hit Niger State
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity after another mass abduction of schoolchildren in Niger State.
Atiku made the call while reacting to Friday’s attack on St Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. Armed men reportedly stormed the Catholic-owned school in the early hours, arriving on more than 60 motorcycles and a van before taking away many students.
“Not again. This is truly heartbreaking,” Atiku wrote on X.
“How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? It is not too late for the government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and confront this menace with urgency.”
The latest incident is part of a growing wave of school abductions. Less than a week ago, bandits kidnapped 26 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku as he tried to resist.
The country has also witnessed other recent attacks, including the abduction of more than 30 worshippers during an assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where three people died.
President Bola Tinubu earlier condemned the Kebbi abduction and sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit the affected families.
Security agencies have yet to disclose the exact number of students taken in the Niger attack as rescue efforts continue.
