The source said the abductions were likely orchestrated by loyalists of the slain commander as a retaliatory show of force.

‎In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja, Tinubu lauded Ribadu’s integrity and steadfast service to Nigeria.

Residents have expressed relief, saying the death of the commander signalled hope for a reduction in violent raids that had plagued the area for years.

Gunmen invaded the school and abducted an unspecified number of students and staff members.

The chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described the attack as “distressing and unacceptable”.

Odutola warned members of the public, especially young women, to exercise caution on social media platforms, where criminals disguise themselves with false identities to lure, manipulate, and extort innocent persons.

The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unverified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, describing the incident as deeply distressing and avoidable.

Rapper Zlatan Ibile has revealed why he is hesitant to invest in emerging musicians, blaming the steep rise in promotion costs that now dominate the music industry.

This is coming about six months after 10 Thai sailors and their ship were convicted and fined $4.3million for bringing 32.9kg of cocaine into Nigeria.

Terrorists have reportedly abducted over 50 students at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.