The governor says all resources are being deployed to secure the safe return of the kidnapped students and staff.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state in response to the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in the Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists in Minna after an emergency security meeting on Saturday, Governor Bago described the incident as “deeply distressing,” saying the state is mobilising all necessary resources to secure the safe return of the abductees.
“We woke up to a very painful situation involving the kidnapping of children from a missionary school in Agwara. While this tragedy could have been prevented, our priority now is their safe rescue,” he said.
The governor called for collective support from security agencies, civil society groups, religious bodies, labour unions, and community leaders to ensure the success of the rescue operation.
He emphasised that protecting lives and property remains the utmost responsibility of the government.
“Niger State is our home, and we will not relent in safeguarding our people,” he added.
Following consultations with security officials and stakeholders, Governor Bago ordered the closure of all private and public primary and secondary schools — including missionary and Islamic institutions — across the state.
He disclosed that unity schools such as Federal Government College, Minna, have also been shut down by federal directive, and additional closures will be enforced in high-risk areas.
All schools in the Niger North zone have now commenced an early Christmas break until further notice.
Security agencies have also been instructed to carry out a comprehensive headcount to determine the exact number of abducted students. The governor said the official figure is expected before the end of the day.
After the press briefing, Governor Bago visited the Papiri community to assess the situation first-hand before proceeding to the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport, Minna, to receive the Emir of Borgu.
He assured residents that the affected community would receive full government support throughout the rescue operation.