Niger Shuts All Schools Amid Security Concerns

 

The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools after t+rrorists abd¥cted 315 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago also directed all Missionary and Islamic schools, as well as Federal Government Colleges, including FGC Minna, to shut down until further notice.

He clarified that tertiary institutions will remain open, except those in vulnerable areas within the Niger North and Niger East Senatorial Districts.

Governor Bago called on security agencies, civil society organisations, labour unions, and religious leaders to focus on efforts to rescue the abd¥cted children. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Describing the incident as tr+gic and unacceptable, the governor said the state’s top priority is securing the release of the k+dnapped students and others in captivity. 

He added that the exact number of abducted children is still being verified as the DSS, police, and other security agencies conduct a detailed headcount.