Lawmakers representing Niger State in the National Assembly have condemned the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, describing the attack as another grim indication of the worsening insecurity in the state and across northern Nigeria.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the caucus expressed concern over the incident, in which armed attackers abducted dozens of pupils, teachers and a security guard. The number of missing children continues to rise as search and rescue operations expand, prompting widespread public outrage.

The lawmakers expressed solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the state government and families of the abducted children, noting that “no child in Niger State should be left at the mercy of criminal elements.”

“As representatives of the people of Niger State, we condemn this attack and reaffirm our commitment to work with security agencies to ensure the safe and immediate rescue of the abducted students,” the statement said.

They said the latest attack reflects the deepening insecurity across the state, ranging from banditry and mass abductions to terrorism and communal violence. According to them, the situation mirrors a wider national security challenge that requires coordinated and sustained action at all levels of government.

The caucus called for increased military presence in vulnerable communities, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and additional Federal Government support for ongoing efforts by the Bago administration.

They pledged to continue engaging federal authorities to prioritise Niger State, push for more funding and personnel for security agencies, and pursue legislative measures aimed at improving national security.

Residents were urged to remain calm and vigilant while security operations continue.

The statement was signed by Senators Mohammed Sani Musa, Abubakar Sani Bello and Peter Jiya, and House members Abdullahi Idris Garba, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Abdullahi Mamudu, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Jafaru Mohammed, Yusuf Kure Baraje, Joshua Audu Gana, Ismaila Musa Modibbo, Adamu Tanko and Abubakar Abdu Buba.