More than two months after the abduction of students and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, academic activities have yet to resume, leaving parents and residents worried about the future of education in the community.
The school, which serves over 50 surrounding communities, has remained closed since gunmen stormed the premises on November 21, 2025, abducting 230 students and staff in broad daylight.
Although the victims were later released in batches following interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser, fear and uncertainty continue to trail the community.
Findings revealed that the recent Kasuwan Daji massacre has further heightened anxiety, with residents expressing concerns over the fragile security situation in the area.
Despite assurances from the Federal Government during the crisis, including a visit by the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who met with parents and school authorities in Kontagora, the school remains under lock and key.
Residents lamented the absence of a military base and inadequate police presence, noting that security operatives lack personnel, patrol vehicles and sufficient equipment to confront armed bandits.
It was gathered that only about 40 mobile police officers are deployed to protect the village and the school, a number residents say is grossly inadequate.
Parents fear that prolonged closure could permanently disrupt their children’s education.
“We are afraid for our children’s safety and their future,” said Musa Hassan, a parent.
The Niger State Government’s directive to shut schools facing security threats has further fueled fears that St Mary’s may not reopen soon, worsening the state’s already high number of out of school children.
