Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following the abduction of children from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Bago announced the directive on Saturday during a press briefing after an expanded security meeting in Minna. He described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
“This incident could have been avoided; however, it is not a time for a blame game. Our mission today is to see how we can rescue these children and all those kidnapped alongside,” he said.
The governor called on security agencies, civil society organisations, organised labour and clerics to unite and intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the victims. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
According to him, Nigeria is the only country citizens have, and Niger remains their home, making it imperative for government and stakeholders to work together to safeguard residents.
The shutdown affects private, primary and secondary schools, religious schools, Federal Government College Minna, as well as the schools of nursing in Bida and Kontagora. Bago said the closure would remain in effect until further notice.
He further explained that the measure would serve as an early Christmas break for all primary and secondary schools in light of the prevailing security concerns.
Bago noted that the exact number of abducted children had not yet been confirmed. He said security agencies were conducting headcounts and that an official update would be provided later.
Suspected gunmen had on Thursday abducted an 227 number of students from the Catholic school in Papiri, an attack that has heightened anxiety across the state.
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