The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state
This follows the abduction of more than 300 students from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Governor Mohammed Bago announced the directive in Minna after a security and stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House.
He stresses that the measure is necessary to prevent further incidents amid rising insecurity.
The shutdown affects all categories of schools, private and public institutions, Islamic and missionary schools, federal government colleges, and selected tertiary institutions such as schools of nursing and midwifery.
Governor Bago explained that while schools were originally scheduled to close for Christmas in two weeks, the state could no longer take risks.
Schools will now remain shut until after the New Year, while those located in severely affected areas will remain closed indefinitely.
Speaking on the abduction, he described the incident as avoidable but said his administration would prioritise the safe rescue of the victims rather than focusing on blame.
He also clarified that the state is yet to determine the official number of abducted students.
Also, he noting that security agencies, including the DSS and the police, are conducting a headcount to verify the figures.
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“We have seen several numbers circulating in the media, but none is official yet. By the end of today, we expect to have the confirmed figure,” he said.
