The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed that schools shut down due to bandit attacks will remain closed until authorities are satisfied that students and teachers can return safely.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, the government said the decision, which was taken about seven months ago, was based strictly on security concerns and would not be reversed until lives can be adequately protected.
“The affected schools will remain closed until the security situation permits their safe reopening. We will not compromise the lives of our students and teachers under any circumstances,” the statement said.
The government also cautioned against politicising insecurity, insisting that the safety of schoolchildren must remain the top priority.
“The safety of our children cannot be subjected to politics or blackmail,” it added.
According to the state government, Governor Nasir Idris has stepped up efforts to tackle insecurity by providing operational vehicles and motorcycles for security agencies, increasing the deployment of military personnel and mobile police officers, and holding consultations with security chiefs, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
It also disclosed that northern governors and traditional rulers recently agreed to establish a Joint Security Fund, with participating states expected to contribute ₦1 billion monthly to strengthen regional security efforts.
The government appealed to residents, parents and community leaders to continue supporting security agencies as efforts continue to restore peace and create conditions for the safe reopening of schools.
Source: Kebbi State Government.
