Niger State orders immediate closure of all schools

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state in response to the devastating terrorist attack on St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School.

The directive was issued on Saturday following a high-level security meeting convened by the Governor with heads of security agencies at the Government House. The meeting was held in the wake of Friday’s mass abduction of an estimated 300 pupils and teachers from the school, located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

A statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the widespread closure order: “All missionary, Islamic Schools and Federal Government Colleges should be shut down until further notice.” The closure also extends to tertiary institutions in the Niger North Senatorial District and other vulnerable areas within the Niger East Senatorial District.

Governor Bago described the abduction at St. Mary’s as “sad and unfortunate,” emphasizing that the primary focus of the government and security apparatus is the urgent rescue of the kidnapped children and other victims.

The Governor confirmed that the exact number of children abducted remains unconfirmed, stating, “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.”

Governor Bago appealed to the public for calm, understanding, and prayers for the safe return of all those abducted, while assuring residents that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property. The attack on St. Mary’s Private School was reportedly carried out by bandits on motorcycles on Friday morning.