Kebbi and Niger Close Primary and Secondary Schools Over Insecurity
Following the shocking abduction of more than 300 pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, Governor Mohammed Bago has ordered the immediate shutdown of all schools across the state.
The directive, issued after an emergency security meeting, affects missionary, Islamic, public, private, and federal schools, as well as tertiary institutions in vulnerable areas. Authorities say security agencies are still trying to determine the exact number of abducted children, while search and rescue operations intensify.
In Kebbi State, the government has also ordered an extensive closure of all public and private secondary schools, alongside several state-owned tertiary institutions, in response to rising security threats. The only exemption is the College of Nursing Sciences in Birnin Kebbi.
Commissioners Halima Bande and Issa Abubakar-Tunga said the move followed disturbing attacks, including the recent kidnapping of schoolgirls in Maga, stressing that student safety is the state’s utmost priority. Hundreds of schools across all 21 local government areas are affected as authorities seek to prevent further tragedies.
Both states have urged residents, school administrators, and community leaders to remain calm and support ongoing security operations aimed at rescuing victims and restoring safety.
Every child has the right to education, safety, and freedom from abduction or any form of violence. This right obligates governments and communities to ensure that schools are secure environments where children can learn without fear, and that urgent protective measures are taken to safeguard their lives, and well-being.
