LAGOS, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A governor of Nigeria's restive northwestern state of Katsina on Saturday ordered the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools in the state.

Aminu Masari, the governor of Katsina State gave the directive following the alleged abduction of some students of the Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) which is located on the outskirts of Kankara town of the state by bandits in the night on Friday.

He spoke on Saturday when he visited the school and other government officials, some parents, traditional and religious leaders as well as security officials.

Masari, who could not control his emotions, pleaded with the people to be patient and show restraint and understanding, assuring them that the government would do every necessary thing to ensure the release of any abducted students.

He said security agencies had swung into action and were on the trail of the bandits.　　Masari assured residents that both the federal and state governments were doing their best to bring an end to banditry and other debilitating criminal activities in the state.