By George Omagbemi
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has raised a disturbing alarm over the impact of insecurity on education, warning that continued attacks and abductions could leave the state with no male child in JSS 2 by 2027 if the situation persists.
The warning raises a bigger question of accountability: what concrete measures are being taken to ensure that children remain alive, safe and in school?
Niger State has suffered repeated attacks and school abductions, with insecurity disrupting education and forcing some families to keep their children away from classrooms. The abduction of pupils and students from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, was among the incidents that drew national attention.
While Bago’s statement highlights the consequences of insecurity, it also places responsibility on government at every level to demonstrate how schools and communities are being protected.
Parents need more than assurances. They need clear information on how many affected children have been rescued, how many schools remain disrupted, what security measures have been deployed and what is being done to prevent further abductions.
The crisis also demands transparency over resources allocated to school security and rehabilitation.
Bago’s warning must not end as another alarming statement. It should trigger sustained public scrutiny, measurable government action and regular accountability to parents whose children are paying the highest price for insecurity.
Niger’s children cannot wait indefinitely for promises. The public deserves answers, the parents deserve protection, and every child deserves the opportunity to return to school safely.
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