The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools following the abduction of pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the decision after an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies in Minna. He also directed that all missionary and Islamic schools, as well as Federal Government Colleges, including FGC Minna, be shut until further notice.
According to the governor, tertiary institutions will continue academic activities except those located within identified vulnerable areas in Niger North and Niger East senatorial districts.
Governor Bago urged security agencies, civil society organisations, labour unions, and religious leaders to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the abducted children, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the priority of his administration.
He described the kidnapping incident as “sad and unfortunate,” adding that security operatives, including the DSS and Police, have begun a headcount to determine the exact number of pupils abducted.
The governor assured residents that ongoing operations will focus not only on the schoolchildren but on securing the release of other victims held by kidnappers in the state.
