Niger State Government has ordered the closure of all public and private Primary and Secondary Schools across the State.

Governor Umaru Bago stated this shortly after the security meeting with heads of security agencies following the recent kidnapping of School children at St Mary’s Catholic School Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the State

Governor Bago said, additionally all Missionary, Islamic Schools and Federal Government Colleges including FGC Minna, have also been shut down until further notice.

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Tertiary Institutions are not affected except for those in the defined vulnerable areas in Niger North and East Senatorial Districts respectively

Governor Bago called on all heads of security agencies, Civil Society Organisations, the organized labour and religious leaders to focus on the rescue of the children and reiterated that the government will continue to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

Governor Bago who described the incident as sad and unfortunate, adding that the overall mission is to see how the kidnapped children and other kidnapped victims will be rescued.

He said the number of children kidnapped from the St. Mary’s Catholic School has not been ascertained as the Department of State Service, Nigeria Police and other security agencies are already carrying out headcount to ascertain the actual figure.