Bandits have struck again in Nigeria?s North-Central region, kidnapping an unconfirmed number of schoolchildren from Peter?s Foundation Secondary School in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, and details remain sketchy as frantic efforts are underway to reach the Nasarawa State Police Command for confirmation and updates.

Eyewitnesses say several children were whisked away, but the exact number is yet to be determined.

This fresh abduction comes hours after the Niger State Government confirmed that pupils and staff of St. Mary?s School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, were also kidnapped during an early-morning attack between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, of Niger State, described the incident as ?deeply distressing and avoidable.?

He revealed that, despite earlier intelligence warnings about heightened threats in Niger North, the school reopened without seeking government clearance, contrary to directives that shut all boarding schools in the area.

?Regrettably, St. Mary?s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,? the SSG stated.

Usman added that security agencies have launched full-scale search-and-rescue operations and are working to establish the exact number of victims. Local reports indicate that many students were taken during the raid on the Catholic-run institution.

The Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara LGA, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack, while the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said more information would be released as security assessments continue.

These incidents add to a growing list of attacks on educational institutions in recent weeks. Just days ago, 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State. In Kwara, a violent attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and more than 20 abducted, prompting the closure of over 50 schools on Thursday.

The escalating pattern has deepened anxiety across northern communities, heightening demands for improved security, stricter compliance with government advisories, and stronger community-based vigilance to curb the rising wave of school abductions.

Authorities in both states are urging residents to remain calm and support ongoing rescue operations with reliable information. (Courtesy of The Sun)

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