The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed that schools located in communities affected by bandit attacks will remain closed until the security situation improves sufficiently to guarantee the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.
The government said the decision, which was taken about seven months ago, was based entirely on security concerns and would only be reviewed when it is safe for academic activities to resume.
This position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, and made available to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS.
According to the statement, the administration is not prepared to risk the lives of students and teachers by reopening schools prematurely.
"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 state government also cautioned against turning security challenges into political issues, insisting that the protection of children should not be influenced by political interests or external pressure.
"The safety of our children cannot be subjected to politics or blackmail. No amount of falsehood or pressure will make this administration compromise on the lives of innocent students," the statement added.
The government maintained that safeguarding lives remains its highest responsibility and stressed that schools would only reopen when authorities are satisfied that security has improved.
It further noted that Kebbi is not the only state facing educational disruptions caused by insecurity, pointing out that schools in Borno State and several other northern states have also experienced extended closures due to persistent security threats.
According to the statement, Governor Nasir Idris has intensified measures to combat insecurity by providing operational vehicles and motorcycles for security agencies, increasing the deployment of military personnel and mobile police officers, and supplying additional logistical support to strengthen security operations across the state.
The government added that the governor has continued to engage security chiefs, traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders and fellow governors in consultations aimed at finding lasting solutions to the security crisis.
It also disclosed that northern governors and traditional rulers recently met in Kaduna, where they agreed to establish a Joint Security Fund to strengthen coordinated efforts in addressing insecurity across the region.
According to the statement, the proposed fund will be managed by former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Martins Agwai (retd.), alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, while each participating state is expected to contribute ₦1 billion every month.
The Kebbi State Government appealed to parents, community leaders and residents to continue supporting security agencies and ongoing government initiatives aimed at restoring peace and creating a safe environment for the eventual reopening of schools.
"We appeal to parents, community leaders and patriotic citizens to continue supporting government efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safe reopening of schools when it is secure to do so," the statement concluded.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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