The Federal Government and several northern states have ordered the immediate closure of schools in vulnerable areas following the abduction of at least 215 pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The sweeping shutdown directive, issued between Thursday night and Friday morning, comes amid heightened fears over a surge in coordinated attacks targeting schools across the North.
According to security sources and state officials, heavily armed terrorists stormed the remote Catholic school between 2am and 3am, whisking away students, teachers, and other workers. The exact number of victims is still being verified, but preliminary intelligence indicates that no fewer than 215 individuals were taken.
FG Moves to Prevent Further Attacks
Top presidency sources told reporters that President Bola Tinubu has ordered reinforced military deployments, aerial surveillance across border communities, and temporary closure of boarding schools in high-risk areas of Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory corridor.
Security chiefs have been ordered to provide hourly situation updates to the President.
“We cannot continue to put children at risk,” a senior federal official said. “Until the security environment stabilises, schools in vulnerable locations will remain shut.”
Niger, Kebbi, Others Follow With Statewide Directives
Niger State Government confirmed the closure of schools around Agwara, Borgu, Rijau, and other border LGAs, noting that St. Mary’s Catholic School was operating against an earlier closure order—one of the factors that exposed the pupils to danger.
Kebbi, where 25 schoolgirls were abducted earlier in the week in Maga, has also suspended academic activities in several rural schools.
Nationwide Outrage, Calls for State of Emergency
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the latest abduction as “heartbreaking,” urging the FG to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity.
“How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken?” he asked.
Civil society groups, teachers’ unions, and Catholic organisations have also demanded urgent rescue operations and stronger protection for schools.
Massive Search-and-Rescue Operation Underway
Joint teams of the military, police, DSS, and local hunters have been deployed to forests extending toward the Niger Republic border. Drones and battlefield surveillance units are also being used to track the abductors’ movement.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the attack and appealed for the safe return of the victims.
Growing Fear Across Northern Communities
The latest raid marks the third major school kidnapping in one week, deepening concerns over the safety of pupils and teachers in rural areas. Parents in many northern states have already begun withdrawing their children from schools.
Authorities warn that reopening will depend on improved security conditions.
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