Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has directed the swift shutdown of all schools in the state after the kidnapping of pupils from a Catholic school in Papiri, located in the Agwara Local Government Area.

Bago issued the order during a press conference held after an enlarged security meeting in Minna on Saturday.

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

He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

According to him, Nigeria is the only country we have, and Niger State is still our state.

“As such, we must continue as a government to protect the lives and property of our citizens,” he added.

He said 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.

He disclosed that the closure would serve as an early Christmas break for all primary and secondary schools in the state, given the prevailing security concerns.

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