Catholic schools abduction: Niger Govt orders  immediate  closure  of all schools 

Niger State Government has announced the immediate closure of all public and private Primary and Secondary Schools across the State following the recent kidnapping of students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of the State.

The directive was issued by the Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, shortly after an emergency Security meeting with heads of security agencies in Minna, on Saturday.

Umaru Bago further directed that all Missionary and Islamic Schools, as well as Federal Government Colleges operating within the State including the Federal Government College, Minna be shut down until further notice as part of measures to prevent further security breaches.

The Governor clarified that Tertiary Institutions remain unaffected by this directive, except those located within the identified vulnerable areas of Niger North and Niger East Senatorial Districts, where additional security assessments are currently ongoing.

Umaru Bago condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as “sad and unfortunate.”

He emphasized that the paramount priority of the State Government is the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and all other kidnapped victims across the State.

He called on all heads of security agencies, Civil Society Organisations, labour unions, religious leaders and community stakeholders to unite and intensify efforts toward the rescue operations and the restoration of peace.

The Governor disclosed that the exact number of abducted students is yet to be confirmed, as the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives are currently conducting a meticulous headcount and verification exercise to ascertain the accurate figure.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of his administration to securing the lives and property of Nigerlites, assuring citizens that the Government will deploy every necessary measure to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and communities.

The State Government urged parents, school authorities and the general public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and abide by the directives issued in the collective interest of public safety.