By Adegbaju Temitope 

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the incident as “truly heartbreaking.”

Reacting on X on Friday to a newspaper report on the attack, Atiku questioned the government’s response to the escalating security crisis, asking: “How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken?”

He urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, insisting that the situation demands urgent and comprehensive intervention.

“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,” he said.

Tension enveloped the Papiri community after armed men stormed the Catholic school between 2am and 3am on Friday, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff.

Church officials in Niger State confirmed the raid but noted that the exact number of victims was still being verified.

The Niger State Government said the school had resumed academic activities despite an earlier order for its closure, adding that the management’s action exposed pupils and workers to avoidable danger.

Security operatives from the police and military have been deployed to the area as rescue efforts intensify.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also condemned the incident and called for swift action to ensure the safe return of the missing persons.

The attack occurred just days after a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted from a girls’ boarding school.