FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Niger State government has condemned yesterday’s attack on St Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Usman said the news was recieved with shock and deep sadness, adding that it is a disturbing news, as government is yet to know the exact number of abducted students.
He assured that security agencies will not relent in locating the whereabouts of the kidnapped students. “This unfortunate incident occurred despite prior intelligence report obtained by government indicating increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“In response to these credible security alerts, the state government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
“Regrettably, St Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the state government, thereby exposing students and the staff to avoidable risk,” the SSG stated.
According to him, security agencies have commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure their safe return.
Usman disclosed that the state government is in close communication with relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
Government urges school proprietors, community leaders and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remain the utmost priority of this administration.
He, however, called on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that may aid them.
