Niger State Government Orders Closure of All Primary and Secondary Schools
Niger State Government has directed the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state.
Governor Umaru Bago announced this decision shortly after a security meeting with the heads of security agencies, following the recent kidnapping of students at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Governor Bago also stated that all Missionary Schools, Islamic Schools, and Federal Government Colleges Minna will remain closed until further notice.
Furthermore, all tertiary institutions within the Niger North Senatorial District and other vulnerable areas in the Niger East Senatorial District are also to be shut down.
The governor urged security agencies, civil society organizations, organized labor, and religious leaders to focus on the rescue of the children. He emphasized that the government will continue to ensure the safety of its citizens and protect their property.
Describing the incident as tragic, Governor Bago highlighted that the main goal is to recover the kidnapped children and other victims.
He noted that the exact number of children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School has not been determined, as agencies like the Department of State Security, the Nigeria Police, and other security forces are currently conducting a headcount to establish the accurate figure.
