Armed men have attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of students and teachers in a coordinated overnight raid.

The attackers reportedly stormed the private Catholic boarding school between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Friday, arriving in large numbers on more than 60 motorcycles and a van. Witnesses said the gunmen fired indiscriminately and shot the school’s gatekeeper, leaving him severely injured before gaining access to the premises.

Community sources described the invasion as highly organised. One resident in Agwara confirmed, “Yes, it happened between 3 and 4 a.m. The number of students abducted is not yet confirmed.”

Another source added that both students and teachers were taken, calling the attack a “deeply distressing moment” for families and the entire state.

Some local officials said the number of abducted persons could exceed 100, though this figure has not been independently verified. Bello Gidi, media aide to the Agwara Local Government Chairman, confirmed the abductions, stating, “The information that is reaching us is that they have kidnapped over 100 students and teachers. Also, it is a mixed school with boys and girls.” Other community members, however, reported lower figures, saying “more than a dozen” were taken.

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the attack. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said tactical teams, the military, and other security operatives had been deployed to the area and were conducting extensive search operations in surrounding forests to rescue the abductees.

Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, urged residents to remain calm and provide security agencies with useful information.

Elleman also criticised the school for continuing academic activities despite an earlier government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area over rising security concerns.

The attack adds to a growing list of deadly abductions targeting schools and communities. Five days earlier, terrorists abducted about 25 female students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku.

In Kwara State, at least 30 worshippers were kidnapped during an assault on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, where three people were killed.

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent wave of attacks and sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State earlier in the week to visit the affected community.

The Niger State Government, through its Secretary, Abubakar Usman, said it received the news of the latest abduction “with deep sadness,” adding that security assessments and rescue operations were underway.

About 52 students may have been taken, though official verification is still pending.

As security agencies deepen search-and-rescue efforts, families and residents of Agwara remain in fear, hoping for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chappal Energies, wanted over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence and forgery. The development has stirred reactions within the energy sector, particularly from Chappal Energies, which has criticized the manner in which the public notice was issued.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the EFCC said Immanuel, 46, is wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation. The notice described him as an indigene of Edo State, listing his last known address as 77 Nelson Mandela Street, Maitama, Abuja. The anti-graft agency urged Nigerians with useful information on his whereabouts to report to any of its offices across the country or reach out via its hotline and official email.

Immanuel, a founding partner of Chappal Energies, was appointed Managing Director of the company’s petroleum development arm in January 2021. Before joining Chappal, he served as the head of corporate finance and strategy at Eroton Exploration and Production. Chappal Energies positions itself as an ESG-focused, energy-independent company dedicated to maximising value from distressed brownfield upstream assets in the Niger Delta.

In recent months, the company faced setbacks, including the collapse of an $860 million asset divestment deal with TotalEnergies after failing to meet key financial obligations. The failed transaction heightened scrutiny around the firm’s operations and finances.

The EFCC has not disclosed specific details of the alleged fraud but confirmed the case is active and investigations are ongoing. 

Reacting to the EFCC’s notice, Chappal Energies issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday, expressing surprise over what it described as a deviation from established enforcement procedures. The company claimed that neither Immanuel nor the organisation was contacted before the public declaration, despite being “fully reachable through official addresses, phone lines and electronic contacts.”

According to the company, the notice contradicts an existing court order. Chappal Energies revealed that on September 11, 2025, Justice J.E. Obanor of the Federal Capital Territory High Court granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, detaining or taking any action against Immanuel or the company. It said this injunction remains valid, raising questions about the legality and timing of the EFCC’s latest move.

The firm alleged that the situation may be linked to “coordinated pressures” arising from an ongoing civil dispute, hinting at the involvement of external actors seeking to escalate tensions publicly rather than follow due process.

Despite the controversy, the company insisted its operations remain stable and that it will pursue appropriate legal remedies. “Chappal Energies continues to respect the roles of all statutory institutions, including the EFCC, and remains committed to full cooperation with all relevant authorities through proper legal channels,” the statement added.

As the case develops, public attention now centres on the EFCC’s next steps, the validity of the court order cited by Chappal Energies, and the broader implications for corporate governance and regulatory processes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State following Monday’s abduction of students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Matawalle was instructed to remain in the state and oversee the security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted schoolgirls. He is expected in Birnin Kebbi today to lead on-the-ground coordination with the military, police and other security agencies deployed to the affected community.

Gunmen had invaded the school around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, shooting sporadically before abducting 24 students. The attack occurred less than an hour after security personnel earlier stationed at the school were said to have been withdrawn, a situation parents believe left the girls vulnerable.

Presidency sources said the directive to Matawalle was influenced by his experience dealing with mass abductions during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State, including the February 2021 kidnapping of 279 female students from Jangebe, who were released after days in captivity.

Tinubu also postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, in order to receive continuous security briefings on the Kebbi school abductions and the separate attack on a church in Kwara State.

A delegation of All Progressives Congress governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, visited Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris on Thursday to express solidarity. Uzodimma described the abduction as a brutal and “deeply inhumane” incident, assuring that the governors would support ongoing rescue efforts.

Governor Idris said the attack has traumatised families and the entire state but expressed confidence in the security operations being conducted. He noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima also visited earlier to convey the President’s message of hope and commitment to securing the release of the girls.

Meanwhile, the District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, confirmed that the community will hold a special prayer today for the safe return of the abducted students. Residents have been gathering nightly to support affected families and call for swift action from authorities.

Security agencies continue to comb surrounding forests, although the state police command has dismissed claims that the girls had been sighted, insisting that no verified information has emerged and urging the public to avoid misinformation.

The Kwara State Police Command has debunked a viral video claiming that the bandits who attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area, have been arrested. The video, circulated widely on WhatsApp and Facebook, alleged that the attackers were apprehended less than 48 hours after Tuesday night’s deadly invasion.

Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi described the claim as “completely false,” stressing that no arrest has been made. She warned the public against spreading unverified information capable of inciting panic and disrupting ongoing rescue operations. Security operatives are currently conducting intensified operations around Eruku and neighbouring communities to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted worshippers.

At least 30 persons were kidnapped during the attack, while several others were killed when gunmen stormed the church during an evening service, shooting indiscriminately before marching worshippers into the surrounding forest.

Authorities and community members confirmed that the kidnappers have begun contacting families of the victims. A community leader, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were abducted, said the kidnappers are demanding N100 million per victim. He explained that the abductees were grouped according to family ties, with the kidnappers reaching out to relatives individually to make their demands.

“From what we gathered from the kidnappers camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the group.
“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100m for each person but as regard my own people I have not receive any call concerning them. So, I am still waiting,” he said.

Olukotun, who narrowly escaped through a window during the attack, appealed for increased security presence and better equipment for local vigilantes in border communities like Eruku, which have experienced repeated incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery.

The rising violence has drawn reactions from the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which expressed concern that the sophistication and frequency of recent attacks suggest possible complicity or attempts to undermine public confidence in the government.

The group called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, the urgent implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the establishment of state police.

Afenifere also referenced the 2025 budget allocation of N6.576 trillion for security, stressing the need for transparent and effective utilisation of defence funds. It urged intelligence agencies to intensify surveillance of illegal mining sites and recommended engaging military veterans to support active security forces.

As security agencies continue rescue efforts, families of the abducted worshippers remain anxious, with some already receiving ransom calls.

The Kwara State Government has assured the community of ongoing support, while residents of Eruku continue to rally around affected families in hope of the victims’ safe return.

Olusegun Awolowo, grandson of the late Western Region Premier Obafemi Awolowo, has passed away at the age of 62. His family confirmed the sad news in a statement released on Thursday.

“With extreme heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather- Olusegun Awolowo,” the family wrote in the statement.

“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather; steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family. A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.

“He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being. He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country. And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

The statement also noted that the family will be open to receiving “condolences at his residence” between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

Who Was Segun Awolowo?

Olusegun Awolowo Jr., born on 27 September 1963, was a respected Nigerian lawyer widely recognized for his leadership as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), a position he held from 2013 to 2021.

A direct descendant of the renowned statesman Obafemi Awolowo, he continued the family’s legacy of public service and national development. In July 2021, he was further honored when he was unanimously chosen as President of the National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) within the ECOWAS region.

His early years were shaped by profound personal tragedy, as his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., passed away in a car accident in 1963, just two months before his birth. Following this loss, he was raised primarily by his aunt, Tola Oyediran, and her husband, Kayode Oyediran, although he also spent part of his childhood living with his mother and siblings.

Educational Background

Olusegun Awolowo Jr. began his early education at Mayhill Convent School, where he was schoolmates with Dolapo Osinbajo. He went on to attend Igbobi College in Lagos and later completed his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. He furthered his studies at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), where he obtained his LLB degree.

After being called to the bar in December 1989, Mr. Awolowo built his legal foundation working with several distinguished law firms, including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and G.O.K. Ajayi & Co., gaining valuable experience that shaped his professional career.

Segun Awolowo’s Professional Journey

Segun Awolowo’s career in public service spanned several key roles across multiple administrations. He served as a Special Assistant under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, where he worked closely on matters involving traditional institutions and legal affairs.

He also held important positions within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport.

In 2013, he was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), a role he continued in after being reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. During his tenure, he championed several strategic initiatives, most notably a 2019 partnership with Shoprite aimed at expanding the distribution of Nigerian products across Africa.

Under his leadership, the NEPC focused heavily on strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and enhancing the nation’s participation in global trade.

What Was The Cause Of His Death?

At the time of his passing, he was serving as the President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) for ECOWAS member states, a role that underscored his influence in regional trade development.

However, as of this report, the family has not released any information regarding the cause of his death.

National Leaders Mourn Olusegun Awolowo

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the Awolowo family through a statement released on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns the Passing of Awo’s Grandson, Segun Awolowo’, described the death of Awolowo at 62 as “unfortunate and a tragic loss not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”

The President praised Awolowo for upholding the legacy of his family, saying: “Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.

He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest-serving executive director of the agency in history.”

Tinubu added, “My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo. I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu Pays Tribute

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also mourned the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian who served his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said: “It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.

On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Condolence Message

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Awolowo’s death as a profound shock, emphasizing that he embodied the finest qualities of public service.

In his message, Abiodun said the late lawyer was “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant.” He added: “It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom.

We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow. His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.”