Following the kidnapping of children from a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger Governor Umaru Bago has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state.  

Following an expanded security meeting in Minna on Saturday, Bago made the announcement during a press conference.  He regarded the occurrence as tragic and avoidable.

”This incident could have been avoided; however, it is not a time for a blame game.

“Our mission today is to see how we can rescue these children and all those kidnapped alongside,” he said.

The governor urged clerics, organized labor, civil society organizations, and security authorities to band together and concentrate on the rescue operations. 

 He emphasized the government's dedication to safeguarding people and property.  He claims that Niger State is still our state and that Nigeria is the only nation we have.

“As such, we must continue as a government to protect the lives and property of our citizens,” he added.

According to him, the shutdown has an impact on religious institutions, private elementary and secondary schools, Federal Government College Minna, and the nursing schools in Bida and Kontagora.  

The shutdown will last until further notice, Bago noted.  He clarified that because of the ongoing security concerns, the closure will act as an early Christmas vacation for all of the state's elementary and secondary institutions.

Source