A teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Agwara, Niger State, has shared a heartbreaking account of how armed bandits stormed the school and abducted more than 300 pupils and staff members, including her husband. The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, leaving the entire community in shock.
How the Attack Began
According to the teacher, Mrs. Martha Mathias, the invasion started at about 1:00 a.m., when most of the staff were asleep in their quarters. The attackers reportedly arrived in three vehicles and several motorcycles, moving quickly across the school premises.
She recalled hearing terrified voices across the compound:
“Children were crying, ‘Please help us… where are the teachers?’ I knew something was terribly wrong.”
Although she attempted to step outside, her husband urged her to remain quiet to avoid detection. For a few minutes, she stayed hidden, hoping the danger would pass. However, the situation escalated rapidly as the attackers began searching for staff members.
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Search for Teachers and Abduction
Once the bandits located the children, they asked them to point out where their teachers were staying. They moved door to door, first attacking one room before arriving at hers. Mrs. Mathias narrated the painful moment:
“They told my husband to step out, commanded him to lie down, tied his hands behind his back, and took him away. I couldn’t stop them.”
She was later ordered to step outside with her infant. While retrieving her baby, the bandits ransacked the room and seized money saved from recent salary payments.
A Child’s Courage Amid Danger
During the chaos, her daughter attempted to follow her parents and pleaded to stay with them. One of the attackers reportedly pointed a gun at the child’s forehead, threatening to kill her if she didn’t remain still.
Miraculously, another bandit intervened and instructed the others to leave the child unharmed. That decision allowed mother and daughter to remain together—but without the father.
Number of Victims and Rescue Efforts
Initial reports indicated that about 303 pupils and 12 staff members were kidnapped. Security forces, including police and military units, were immediately deployed to hunt down the attackers and track movement in the surrounding bush areas.
Fortunately, 50 pupils have reportedly returned home so far. Nevertheless, hundreds of students and staff remain in captivity, and their families continue to wait anxiously for further updates.
Rising Security Concerns
Residents of the area expressed deep worry, especially because the attack targeted children and educators. Many families now fear sending their children to school. Community leaders are appealing for:
- Stronger security presence in rural schools
- Faster government intervention
- Psychological support for affected students
- Clear updates on rescue operations
Final Note
This incident highlights the urgent need to protect learning environments across Nigeria. Schools should be safe spaces where children read, dream, and grow—not fear for their lives. As families wait for the safe return of the remaining victims, the nation watches closely and hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution.
Credit: Allschool, Allcbt
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