Niger Shuts All Schools After Mass Abduction in Papiri, Moves to Prevent Further Attacks

In a decisive response to the shocking abduction of over 300 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state. The move, announced less than 24 hours after the attack, is aimed at preventing further tragedies as security concerns continue to escalate.

---

Schools Ordered Shut Until After New Year

Addressing newsmen in Minna shortly after an emergency security and stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Governor Bago said the closure affects all categories of schools—public, private, Islamic, missionary, and even some federal and tertiary institutions, including schools of nursing and midwifery.

According to him, while most schools were already due to close for Christmas in the coming weeks, the deteriorating security situation necessitated more urgent and sweeping action.

“We cannot take any chances anymore. We are closing all schools in Niger State… every school will remain closed until after the New Year, while all schools in Niger North will be closed until further notice,” he stated.

The Governor emphasised that the decision was taken to safeguard students and teachers and to forestall further attacks as the state battles rising insecurity.

---

No Official Figure Yet — Government Begins Headcount

Speaking on the devastating mass abduction in Papiri, Governor Bago admitted that the incident “could have been avoided”, but stressed that the government would not engage in blame games while children remained in captivity.

He noted that contrary to figures circulating in the media, the state government was yet to establish the official number of abducted pupils, students and staff.

“We have just been seeing a lot of numbers in the media but the figures are not official. The DSS, police and other security agencies are already doing the headcount and by the end of today, we will have the official figure,” he confirmed.

Journalists gathered at the briefing learnt that security agencies are currently combing nearby communities and forests as search-and-rescue operations intensify.

---

A State Under Siege

The attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed national concern about the vulnerability of schools in the northern region. As Bold and Clickable Akahi News has consistently reported in similar cases, the mass abduction of students has long been a tragic hallmark of terrorist and bandit activities in parts of northern Nigeria.

Residents told Akahi News that panic has spread throughout Agwara and neighbouring local government areas, with parents rushing to evacuate their children from schools even before the government’s directive.

Security experts say the closure may prevent further attacks but will also deepen concerns about the growing disruption to education in the region.

---

Governor Bago assured parents that the state government is working closely with the military, police, DSS, and local vigilantes to secure the safe return of the abducted children.

He reiterated that rescuing the victims—not apportioning blame—remains the government’s immediate focus.

Meanwhile, Akahi News gathered that federal security support is expected to be deployed as calls mount for a coordinated national response to school-targeted terrorism.

Nigerians across the country are anxiously awaiting verified updates on the number of victims and the progress of rescue efforts.

---

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org