The FG directed the shutdown of 41 unity schools across the North, while Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue and Katsina also suspended academic activities in selected schools due to security concerns.

The directive came after bandits abducted 215 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State, just four days after 26 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi, where the vice principal was killed and the principal injured. Two of the abducted girls later escaped.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to coordinate rescue operations.

A circular from the Federal Ministry of Education listed the 41 affected unity schools across several northern states.

Additionally, Niger State’s government announced the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the Niger North Senatorial District as a preventive measure.

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The affected schools include FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafanchan; FGGC Bakori; FTC Dayi; FGC Daura; FGGC Tambuwal; FSC Sokoto; FTC Wurno; FGC Gusau; FGC Anka; FGGC Gwandu; FGC Birnin Yauri; FTC Zuru; FGGC Kazaure; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New‑Bussa; FTC Kuta‑Shiroro.

Others are FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu‑Aran; FTC Gwanara; FGC Ugwolawo; FGGC Kabba; FTC Ogugu; FGGC Bwari; FGC Rubochi; FGGC Abaji; FGGC Potiskum; FGC Buni Yadi; FTC Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Biliri; and FTC Zambuk.

Source: Punch