Niger state government has ordered the immediate closure of every public and private primary and secondary school following the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.
Gatekeepers News reports that Governor Umaru Bago announced the decision on Saturday after holding a security meeting with heads of security agencies.
According to a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, his chief press secretary, all missionary schools, Islamic schools, and federal government colleges have also been shut indefinitely.
It further said tertiary institutions in Niger North and vulnerable communities in Niger East are to be closed as well.
Bago urged security agencies, civil society organisations, labour groups, and religious leaders to concentrate on rescue efforts, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He said security operatives, including the DSS and police, are still conducting a headcount to determine the exact number of missing pupils.
Recall that the federal government on Friday, ordered the shutdown of all 47 Unity Colleges nationwide citing recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.
