Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has ordered the closure of all boarding schools in four local government areas of the state.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the order followed the abduction of dozens of schoolboys, teachers and family members at the Government Science College, Kagara in Rafi local government of the state.
Recall some bandits who were in military uniforms had stormed the school on Tuesday night, shepherding dozens of the schoolboys into the bush.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, the governor said all boarding schools in Rafi, Mariga, Munya and Shiroro local government areas of the state should be closed until further notice.
He confirmed that 27 schoolboys, three staff members and 12 of their family members are declared missing, following the abduction.
Mr Bello added that one student, Benjamin Doma, was shot dead during the attack, stressing the bandits would use the money to buy sophisticated weapons and cause further harm.
“It is not in our policy as a government to pay ransom to bandits because we have noticed that they use this sand money to buy arms and ammunition.
“However, the government will be ready to support and assist repentant bandits,” the governor said.
He said the government is concerned over the recent bandit attacks in the state, which he admitted have become more brazen and daring.
He asked for immediate intervention from the Federal Government to rescue the students and other abducted persons from the hands of the bandits.
“We are deeply concerned at this recent sad events and are 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,” Mr Bello added.
