Niger Shuts Down Schools Amid Rising Security Threats

The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following the recent abduction of pupils at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

Governor Umaru Bago announced the directive on Saturday after convening a security meeting with heads of the state’s security agencies.

A statement issued by Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, said, “Following the distressing abduction of students at St Mary’s Catholic School, all public and private schools, including Missionary, Islamic institutions and Federal Government Colleges, are closed until further notice.”

The directive also extended to tertiary institutions in Niger North Senatorial District and other vulnerable parts of Niger East Senatorial District.

Governor Bago urged security agencies, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and labour unions to prioritise the rescue operations of the abducted students. “The government is fully committed to protecting lives and property. The abduction is both sad and regrettable, and every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact number of children taken. The Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and other security agencies are currently conducting a headcount to ascertain the figures.

This latest development follows similar measures in Katsina and Plateau states, where schools were closed due to escalating banditry attacks. The Federal Government had also ordered the closure of all 47 Unity Colleges nationwide in response to security threats.

Nigerians continue to express concern over the rising incidents of school abductions and the worsening insecurity in several parts of the country.