Niger State Shuts Two Secondary Schools Amid Youth Gang Violence

Niger State Shuts Two Secondary Schools Amid Youth Gang Violence

The Niger State Government has indefinitely closed two secondary schools in Minna, the state capital, following ongoing clashes between students and youth gangs. The violence has led to a breakdown in law and order and, in some cases, fatalities………READ MORE

The schools affected are Government Day Secondary School on Bosso Road and Father O’Connell Science College. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, announced the closure after a security assessment on March 12, 2025. The commissioner expressed concerns over the increasing involvement of youth gangs posing as students, which is contributing to insecurity within the schools and the surrounding communities.

In response to the closure, the leadership of the Minna Emirate Youth Association (MEYA), led by President Bashir Abubakar, has called for the reversal of the decision, urging alternative solutions that do not disrupt education. The association acknowledged the security concerns but proposed that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education collaborate with community leaders, parents, and security agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to address the underlying issues of gang violence and insecurity.

The Niger State Government’s decision highlights growing concerns over the safety of students and the need for proactive measures to ensure security in educational institutions.