Reps minority caucus reacts to abduction of Niger students

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, urging the Federal Government to initiate immediate and coordinated rescue efforts.

The caucus described the attack, carried out on Friday, November 21, by suspected terrorists as a disturbing and unacceptable development that requires urgent action.

It emphasized that security operatives must “go the extra mile” to ensure the safe return of all abductees.

In a statement signed by Rep. O.K. Chinda (Minority Leader), Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ali Isa J.C. (Minority Whip), Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader), and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip), the lawmakers said the incident—confirmed by both the Niger State Government and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora—was shocking and deeply troubling.

The caucus noted that such “brazen acts of criminality continue to cause global embarrassment to Nigeria and must be swiftly curtailed.” It called on security agencies to “think outside the box” to restore public confidence and safeguard the nation’s image. The group also urged intensified search operations and prayed for a “rancour-free rescue mission.”

Further, the Minority Caucus urged the Federal Government to embark on large-scale recruitment across security agencies and to consider external collaboration where necessary to strengthen national security. It reminded the Executive that “the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution,” warning that the State is falling short of these obligations.

The lawmakers extended their sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for the safe return of all abducted students and staff.