Niger gov shuts schools, says number of abducted students not confirmed

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state, following the abduction of students from a Catholic school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state.

Bago announced the directive during a press briefing after an expanded security meeting in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The governor described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, saying: “This incident could have been avoided; however, it is not a time for blame game.

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

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Bago called on security agencies, civil society organisations, organised labour, and clerics to unite and focus on the rescue efforts.

He stressed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that the closure affects private, primary and secondary schools, religious schools, Federal Government College Minna as well as the schools of Nursing in Bida and Kontagora.

Bago, who said the closure would be until further notice, explained that the closure would serve as an early Christmas break for all primary and secondary schools in Niger State, given the prevailing security concerns.

Bago added that the exact number of abducted students had not been confirmed, saying security agencies were conducting headcounts before an official statement would be issued later in the day.

The Star