Niger State shuts all schools after mass abduction of students and teachers
Story by Okafor Vivian
The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following the abduction of hundreds of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.
Governor Umaru Bago announced the decision after an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies, describing the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” He said the shutdown was necessary to prevent further attacks and to allow security forces concentrate fully on rescue operations.
Authorities confirmed that more than 300 students and a dozen teachers were kidnapped during the attack, one of the largest school abductions recorded in recent years. The governor stated that security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the police, are carrying out a comprehensive headcount to ascertain the exact number of missing persons.
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The directive affects all public and private primary and secondary schools, religious-based institutions, Federal Government Colleges, and nursing schools in Bida and Kontagora. Some tertiary institutions in Niger North and vulnerable areas of Niger East have also been asked to suspend academic activities.
Governor Bago appealed for calm, urging residents, religious leaders, organized labour, and civil society groups to support ongoing rescue efforts. He stressed that the focus should remain on securing the release of the abducted students and teachers rather than assigning blame.
He assured parents and communities that the government is committed to protecting lives and property, adding that the school closure would serve as an “early Christmas break” until security improves.
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