Kebbi Keeps Schools Shut Over Bandit Threats

(Nasir Idris. Photo Credit: The Economic times)

As part of efforts to curb b@nditry att@cks in some volatile communities, the Kebbi State Government has said that schools recently shut down in areas affected by b@nditry would remain closed until the security situation improves.

The government explained that the decision, taken about seven months ago, was based solely on security considerations and would not be reversed until the safety of students and teachers could be guaranteed.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, the government said the affected schools would remain closed until the security situation permits their safe reopening, stressing that it would not compromise the lives of students and teachers under any circumstances.

The government also cautioned against politicising security matters, insisting that the safety of children cannot be subjected to politics or blackmail, and that no amount of falsehood or pressure would make the administration compromise on the lives of innocent students.

It maintained that protecting lives remains its foremost responsibility, stressing that the schools would only reopen once the security situation permits, noting that Kebbi is not the only state grappling with such challenges, as schools in Borno and several other northern states have similarly experienced prolonged closures due to insecurity.

According to the statement, Governor Nasir Idris has intensified efforts to tackle insecurity by deploying operational vehicles and motorcycles, strengthening the presence of military personnel and mobile police officers, and providing logistical support to security agencies.

It added that the governor has also engaged security chiefs, traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders, and other governors in consultations aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

The statement further disclosed that northern governors and traditional rulers recently met in Kaduna and resolved to establish a Joint Security Fund to strengthen regional efforts against insecurity.

It said the proposed fund would be coordinated by former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Martins Agwai (retd.), alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, with each participating state expected to contribute N1 billion monthly.

The government appealed to parents, community leaders, and residents to continue supporting security operations and ongoing efforts to restore peace, urging patriotic citizens to keep backing government efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safe reopening of schools once it is secure to do so.