Minna: Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state following the abduction of children from a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state. Bago announced the directive during a press briefing after an expanded security meeting in Minna on Saturday. He described the incidence as unfortunate and avoidable, emphasizing the need for a collective rescue effort rather than assigning blame.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bago emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our mission today is to see how we can rescue these children and all those kidnapped alongside.” He urged security agencies, civil society organizations, organized labor, and clerics to unite and focus on the rescue efforts. Bago reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, highlighting that Nigeria and Niger State remain the shared responsibility of its citizens.
The governor announced that the closure affects private, primary and secondary schools, religious schools, Federal Government College Minna, as well as the schools of Nursing in Bida and Kontagora. He stated that the closure would remain in effect until further notice and would serve as an early Christmas break for all primary and secondary schools in light of the prevailing security concerns.
Bago mentioned that the exact number of abducted children had not been confirmed, as security agencies were conducting headcounts before an official statement would be issued later in the day. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that suspected gunmen on Thursday abducted an unspecified number of students at St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state.
