Video: Niger shuts all schools after Catholic School student abduction
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Niger state government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state after the abduction of pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.
Video: Niger shuts all schools after Catholic School student abduction
Governor Umaru Bago announced the directive on Saturday after a security meeting with heads of security agencies.
According to a statement by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, “Governor Umaru Bago stated this shortly after the security meeting with heads of security agencies following the recent kidnapping of school children at St Mary’s Catholic School Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the State.”
The closure extends beyond state and private schools to include all Missionary, Islamic Schools, Federal Government Colleges, and all tertiary institutions in Niger North Senatorial District and vulnerable areas in Niger East Senatorial District.
The measures will remain in place until further notice.
Governor Bago described the abduction as “sad and unfortunate,” emphasising that “efforts were being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and other victims.”
He urged security agencies, civil society organisations, organised labor, and religious leaders to focus on rescue operations, assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.
The Governor noted that exact number of abducted children has yet to be determined, with the Department of State Services (DSS), police, and other security agencies currently conducting headcounts.
Similar school closures were announced on Friday in Katsina and Plateau states due to escalating banditry attacks on educational institutions.
