The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools, both primary and secondary, across the state following the abduction of schoolchildren in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The decision, announced by Governor Umaru Bago, comes amid heightened security concerns after armed gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, abducting an unspecified number of students and staff. Governor Bago described the incident as “unfortunate and deeply saddening” and emphasized that the safe rescue of the children is the government’s top priority.

All schools, including private, religious, and federal institutions, are affected by the closure, which will remain in effect until further notice. The state government has deployed security forces to conduct search-and-rescue operations, while appealing to the public and community leaders to support the efforts.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora condemned the attack, confirming the abduction of students and staff, and urged calm as authorities work to secure their release.