The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools following the recent abduction of pupils at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area.
Governor Umar Mohammed Bago announced the directive after an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies on Saturday. He said the closure affects all mission schools, Islamic schools, and Federal Government Colleges, including FGC Minna.
Tertiary institutions will remain open, except those located in identified high-risk areas in the Niger North and Niger East senatorial districts.
Governor Bago described the kidnapping as “sad and unfortunate,” stressing that the priority of the government and security agencies is the safe rescue of the abducted children and other victims still in captivity.
He disclosed that the exact number of students taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School is yet to be determined, as the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police, and other security agencies are conducting a headcount to verify the figures.
The governor also appealed to civil society organisations, organised labour, religious leaders, and the general public to support ongoing rescue efforts, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, on 22 November 2025.
