Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday condemned the federal government’s “ineptitude” in combating insecurity, calling for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency following a dawn raid by suspected terrorists on a Catholic school in Niger State that left students and staff abducted.
The assault on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara district, unfolded around 6:00 am when gunmen overpowered guards, rounded up pupils and educators, and fled into the bush, witnesses said. Initial reports indicated at least 15 victims, though the exact number remains unconfirmed as search operations continue.
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, issued a scathing statement, describing the incident as “yet another damning indictment on the failure of President Tinubu’s security apparatus.”
“We cannot continue to watch helplessly as our children are turned into commodities for ransom by bloodthirsty bandits and terrorists,” Atiku said. “The time for excuses is over. I call on the National Assembly to invoke the relevant constitutional provisions and declare a state of emergency in all affected regions.”
He demanded sweeping measures, adding: “The government must mobilise all resources — military, intelligence, and financial — to eradicate this menace. No more half-measures or photo-ops; we need decisive action to restore safety to our schools and communities.”
Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack, stating: “A combined team of security operatives has been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and effect the rescue of the abducted persons.”
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, who visited the site, vowed retribution, saying: “We will not rest until every single child is brought home safe. This barbarism ends now.”
The raid, the third school attack in two weeks after abductions in Kebbi and Kwara, has amplified national fury over educational vulnerabilities, with parents blockading roads in protest. Rights groups renewed calls for international aid, as Atiku’s plea signals deepening opposition pressure on Tinubu’s administration amid a surge in kidnappings claiming hundreds this year.
