Governor Points to Informants in Security Crisis
Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago has identified informants as key enablers of terrorist attacks following the mass abduction of students from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri. The governor made this revelation during his visit to the palace of the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro IV, where he led a delegation to commiserate over the recent kidnapping incident.
Governor Bago emphasized that security agencies are collaborating closely with the state government to ensure the swift rescue of the abducted students. He called for stricter measures against informants while urging residents to provide credible information to security operatives. The governor also cautioned against religious intolerance, highlighting that community harmony remains vital for security.
Mass School Closures Ordered Across Niger State
In response to the security threat, Governor Bago ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across Niger State. The directive affects missionary schools, Islamic schools, and federal government colleges, with tertiary institutions in Niger North Senatorial District and vulnerable areas of Niger East also suspending operations indefinitely.
"To forestall further occurrence, schools are generally supposed to close for Christmas in the next two weeks, but we cannot take any chances anymore," Governor Bago stated. He confirmed that all schools will remain closed until after the New Year, while institutions in Niger North will stay shut until further notice.
Catholic Diocese Denies Receiving Security Warnings
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has strongly denied claims that St. Mary's Catholic School received prior security warnings before the abduction. In a statement signed by Daniel Atori, media aide to Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the diocese clarified that no circular or advisory was received from either state government or security agencies.
"That is not true. We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame," Bishop Yohanna stated. He noted that during previous security challenges in 2022, the school had immediately shut down upon hearing rumors of threats.
The Niger State Government maintains that credible intelligence indicated rising threats in the region and alleges that St. Mary's had "reopened without clearance and violated the safety directive."
Rising Abduction Numbers and National Response
Bishop Yohanna confirmed that the total number of abductees has reached 315, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers. Initial counts had been lower, but a detailed census revealed additional missing children who had attempted to escape during the attack.
The assault occurred in the early hours of Friday, with gunmen arriving on more than 60 motorcycles accompanied by a van. The attackers shot the school's gatekeeper, leaving him seriously injured.
In response to the growing security crisis, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide. President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi State and postponed planned international trips as concern over student safety escalates across Nigeria.
The Emir of Borgu expressed concern over the occupation of Borgu forest by bandits and urged both state and federal authorities to reclaim the area. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, praised President Tinubu for his prompt response to the incident.
