Niger State Governor Sani Bello has directed the immediate closure of all boarding schools in four local council areas in the state following the abduction of some students and teachers from Government Science College (GSC) kagura, Rafi Local Government Area, by suspected bandits. Governor Bello said boarding schools in Rafi, Munya, Shiroro, and Mariga local government areas will be closed indefinitely until further notice because of heightened insecurity. The Governor subsequently ordered that all boarding schools in Rafi, Mariga, Munya, and Shiroro local government areas of the state be closed until further notice.
Bello said that the government will not pay ransom to the bandits stressing that it is not the policy of government to pay ransom as the bandits 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 money to buy arms and ammunition. However, the government will be ready to support and assist repentant bandits.”
Governor Bello also confirmed the video making rounds in the state and on social media of the suspected bandits celebrating the abduction of the passengers of the NSTA bus that was attacked on Sunday where they demanded N500 million.
President Muhammadu Buhari following the incident ordered the military and police to ensure the immediate and safe return of the abducted staff and students.
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