Niger Govt Orders Immediate Closure of Schools

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By Aliyu Lawal, Minna

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has ordered the immediate shutdown of all public and private primary and secondary schools across Niger State following the recent abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

 

The directive was issued in Minna after an emergency security meeting involving service chiefs and religious leaders. Governor Bago said the situation required decisive action rather than blame-trading, stressing that all Missionary and Islamic schools, as well as Federal Government Colleges in the state, must suspend academic activities until further notice.

 

He further announced that tertiary institutions in Niger North Senatorial District and other vulnerable locations in Niger East would also be closed. The governor tasked security agencies, civil society groups, labour unions and religious bodies to concentrate efforts on rescuing the abducted children, assuring residents that government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.

 

Describing the abduction as “sad and unfortunate,” Bago urged the public to remain calm and prayerful as security operatives intensify operations. He noted that the exact number of students taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School had not yet been confirmed, adding that the DSS, police and other agencies are working to determine the accurate figure.