Niger Orders Statewide School Shutdown After Papiri Kidnapping

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

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago issued the directive on Saturday after an emergency security briefing with heads of security agencies. He also ordered missionary schools, Islamic schools, and all Federal Government Colleges — including FGC Minna — to shut down until further notice.

Tertiary institutions are exempted from the closure, except those located in vulnerable communities within the Niger North and Niger East senatorial districts.

Governor Bago urged security agencies, civil society organisations, organised labour, and religious leaders to intensify efforts toward rescuing the abducted children. He described the attack as “sad and unfortunate,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He added that the exact number of kidnapped pupils remains unclear, as the Department of State Services, police, and other security agencies are still conducting a headcount to determine the accurate figure.