Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered the closure of all schools in the state after students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Secondary School in Agwara Local Government Area. The incident occurred at a missionary school in the Papiri community, prompting an emergency meeting with service chiefs and stakeholders at the Government House in Minna. Governor Bago described the event as “unfortunate and deeply saddening,” emphasizing that the state’s priority is to rescue the abducted individuals.
The governor assured residents that the state government is committed to securing the safe return of the victims. He called on security agencies, civil society organizations, labor unions, religious leaders and community stakeholders to collaborate and intensify the rescue operation. He also stressed that the government will do everything in its power to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
As a precautionary measure, all private primary and secondary schools—including missionary and Islamic schools—have been closed across Niger State. The Federal Government College in Minna and other unity schools were already shut down by the Federal Government, and additional schools in vulnerable or high‑risk areas will also be closed. The Niger North zone has been particularly affected, with all schools closed until further notice, effectively starting the Christmas break early for students in the state.
Security agencies have been directed to conduct a comprehensive headcount to determine the official number of abducted students, with a confirmed figure expected by the end of the day. Governor Bago visited the Papiri community and the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport in Minna to receive the Emir of Borgu and pay his solidarity, reiterating that the state government is taking all necessary measures to support the affected community.
The abduction has highlighted concerns about security in the region. The state government is working to ensure the safe return of the abductees, while the school closures serve as a precaution to protect students and staff. Collaboration with stakeholders continues as authorities address the situation.
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