The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools—public and private—across the state until after the New Year, citing rising insecurity following the mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri.

Governor Umaru Bago announced the directive on Saturday, November 22, 2025, after an expanded security meeting in Minna. The decision comes in direct response to the abduction of 227 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area, an incident that has shocked the nation and reignited fears of widespread school insecurity.

According to the governor, the closure affects all primary and secondary schools in Niger State, both public and private. He explained that the measure is temporary and will remain in place until after the New Year, when security agencies are expected to have stabilized the situation.

Governor Bago described the attack as both “unfortunate and avoidable,” stressing that the priority now is to rescue the abducted victims and prevent further tragedies. “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 also called on security agencies, civil society organizations, organized labor, and religious leaders to unite in supporting rescue efforts. He emphasized that the safety of children must remain paramount, urging communities and school proprietors to strictly adhere to government security advisories.

This sweeping closure underscores the gravity of the insecurity crisis in Niger State. Barely a week before the Papiri abduction, 25 students were kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive School, further highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions in the region.

Parents and education stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. While many welcome the move as a necessary precaution, others worry about the disruption to academic calendars and the long-term impact on students’ education. Analysts note that repeated school closures due to insecurity could deepen Nigeria’s education crisis, especially in northern states already struggling with low enrollment and high dropout rates.

The Niger State Government has assured residents that it is working closely with security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations and restore confidence in the safety of schools. Continuous updates are expected as investigations and rescue missions progress.