Governor Bello shuts boarding schools in four Niger LGAs

Governor Sani Bello of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of all the boarding schools in four local government areas of the state.

This came after students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara were abducted by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday February 17.

Governor Bello who spoke to newsmen in Minna, ordered that all boarding schools in Rafi, Mariga, Munya and Shiroro local government areas of the state be closed until further notice.

He also commented on the viral video of bandits celebrating the abduction of the passengers of the NSTA bus that was attacked on Sunday February 14 and demanding for N500 million ransom.

The Governor further stated that the government will not pay ransom to the bandits as they will use it to buy sophisticated weapons and cause further harm.

Bello said;

“It is not in our policy as a government to pay ransom to bandits because we have noticed that they use this money to buy arms and ammunition. However, the government will be ready to support and assist repentant bandits.

“We are deeply concerned at these recent sad events and asking the federal government to deploy every necessary resources while we will look at all options, both kinetic and non-kinetic to ensure the safe return of the victims of both incidences.

“We will not rest or sleep until we bring them back to their families.”

Bello also disclosed that 27 students, three staff and 12 members of their families were abducted.