Niger State Government Orders Closure of All Schools After Mass Abduction

The Niger State Government has directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state following the abduction of more than 300 students by gunmen in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Governor Mohammed Bago announced the directive on Friday while addressing journalists in Minna after a security and stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House. The decision, he said, is part of urgent measures to prevent further attacks on educational institutions.

According to the governor, the shutdown affects all categories of schools — private and public institutions, Islamic and missionary schools, federal government colleges, as well as select tertiary institutions such as schools of nursing and midwifery.

“Schools are generally supposed to close for Christmas in the next two weeks, but we cannot take any chances anymore. We are closing all schools in Niger State — private, primary and secondary schools — until after the New Year. All schools in Niger North will remain closed until further notice,” Bago declared.

Speaking on the abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, the governor lamented that the incident could have been avoided, but stressed that the priority now is the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and staff.

He noted that the government will not engage in blame games but will focus on coordinated rescue efforts.

On the number of victims, Governor Bago said the figures circulating in the media were unofficial. He added that security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the police, were currently conducting a headcount.

“We have just been seeing a lot of numbers in the media, but the figures are not official. The DSS, police and other security agencies are already doing the headcount, and by the end of today, we will have the official figure,” he stated.

The mass abduction has heightened concerns over security in Niger State, prompting the sweeping shutdown as authorities work to contain the situation and safeguard students across affected communities.

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