The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) on 21 November 2025 condemned the abduction of pupils and teachers from St Mary’s School, Agwara, in Niger State, describing the attack as a disturbing assault on children and the education system.

In a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, the Forum’s Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the incident is “unacceptable” and a serious threat to efforts aimed at returning out-of-school children to the classroom.

“As a forum, we have consistently maintained that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror,” Yahaya said.

He warned that Northern Nigeria “cannot allow criminal elements to derail ongoing efforts” to strengthen education across the region.

The governors expressed concern that the latest school attack comes at a time when states are heavily investing in safe and resilient learning environments.

“We cannot fold our arms and watch criminal elements undermine our efforts and instil fear in young learners,” Yahaya added.

The NSGF extended sympathy to the parents of the abducted pupils, school authorities, and the Niger State Government, describing the ordeal as heartbreaking.

Yahaya called for swift, decisive and well-coordinated action by all security agencies to rescue the abducted children and prevent further attacks.

He commended ongoing search-and-rescue operations and urged security operatives to intensify efforts “with utmost urgency”.

The Forum also appealed to the public to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue mission.