Niger Assembly Threatens Shutdown Over Student Abductions

On Tuesday, the Niger Assembly warned that it would stop all legislative work unless the federal government quickly addresses the growing problem of banditry. This warning follows the kidnapping of students from St. Mary’s Catholic Missionary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The lawmakers strongly condemned the attack that happened on Friday and described the security situation as alarming and unmanageable.

Hon. Mohammed Nura Agwara, who represents the Agwara constituency, introduced a motion that highlighted the tragic kidnapping incident and called for the immediate rescue of the affected individuals.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji said the state is essentially under siege, hindering investment and prompting contractors to abandon road projects. He painted a dire picture of the situation in his Mariga constituency, where over 50 communities, including his own ward, have been displaced. This has left farmers struggling for food after fleeing their lands.

“The ongoing security challenges have undermined all efforts to improve the state,” Sarkindaji said. “If schools and markets have to close, we have the right to stop legislative activities until this is fixed.”

He criticized the lack of action despite the existence of known bandit routes and called for military deployment along these paths. “Security personnel know these routes, yet no action is taken,” he said, warning that the captives may be moved to Zamfara through these same corridors.

In a four-point resolution, the assembly urged the federal government to gather resources for the rescue of the students, assign troops to key bandit routes, and work with Niger’s national assembly representatives to further address the issue.

The lawmakers promised to stop all legislative operations within two weeks if no real actions are taken.