The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state after a major terrorist attack on St. Mary’s Private Primary And Secondary School in Papiri, located in Agwara Local Government Area.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, the order followed an emergency security meeting held at the Government House on Saturday. The meeting brought together heads of security agencies to review the situation that unfolded on Friday when armed attackers kidnapped over three hundred pupils and teachers.
According to the government, the closure affects missionary schools, Islamic schools, Federal Government Colleges, and all tertiary institutions operating within Niger North Senatorial District and vulnerable parts of Niger East Senatorial District.
Okay News reports that the Governor’s directive was issued to prevent further attacks and safeguard students across the state.
“All missionary, Islamic Schools and Federal Government Colleges should be shut down until further notice. All tertiary institutions in the Niger North Senatorial District and other vulnerable areas in the Niger East Senatorial District are to be closed down as well,” the statement read.
Governor Bago urged heads of security agencies, civil society groups, labour unions, and religious leaders to channel their efforts toward securing the release of the abducted children. He reassured residents that the administration remains committed to protecting lives and property amid the present security challenges.
The Governor described the incident as “sad and unfortunate,” emphasising that the rescue of the kidnapped pupils, students, and staff remains the government’s top priority.
He added that the exact number of those abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School has not yet been confirmed, saying, “The Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police, and other security agencies are working around the clock to carry out a headcount of the students in order to determine the actual figure.”
The Governor appealed to residents to remain calm and prayerful as efforts continue to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.
Initial reports from the Chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna, estimated the number of abducted pupils, students, and teachers at approximately three hundred and fifteen. The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles before carrying out the mass abduction.
