The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools following the recent abduction of pupils at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The directive was issued on Saturday after a security meeting chaired by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said the suspension of academic activities covers missionary and Islamic schools, as well as federal colleges, including FGC Minna.
According to the governor, tertiary institutions will remain open, except those located in vulnerable areas within the Niger North and Niger East senatorial districts. He said the decision aims to reduce risks as security agencies work to locate the missing pupils.
Governor Bago urged security agencies, civil society groups, labour unions and religious leaders to support efforts to rescue the children. He said the government remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
He described the kidnapping as “sad and unfortunate” and said the priority is the safe return of the children and other victims still in captivity.
The governor added that the exact number of abducted pupils has not been confirmed. Security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police, are conducting a headcount to determine the full scale of the incident.
