In a bold and urgent response to the skyrocketing insecurity plaguing educational institutions, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas is shaking things up with a sweeping mandate: all hostel facilities in secondary schools,public and private,will be shuttered immediately! This dramatic move comes in the wake of terrifying kidnappings that have rocked schools across Nigeria, leaving parents and students in a state of panic.
According to a statement from the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, the situation has reached a critical point where boarding students are seen as prime targets for kidnappers. Recent, shocking incidents in Kebbi and Niger states have served as wake-up calls, prompting this latest crackdown.
“In light of the current circumstances,” the statement declared, “Governor Kefas has issued a directive requiring all secondary schools to operate solely as day schools for the foreseeable future.” Dr. Godwin stressed that school leaders must act immediately to deboard all students, prioritizing their safety in these tumultuous times.
This decisive action is designed to protect students’ lives while addressing the alarming security crises threatening educational environments. Parents have been reassured of the government's commitment to restoring stability, with promises of close collaboration with security agencies to combat the escalating crisis.
School officials have been urged to ramp up vigilance on their campuses, creating a more secure atmosphere for students during this chaotic period. The urgency of the situation is further highlighted by the recent horror of students being kidnapped during a midnight raid at St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. Eyewitness accounts remain scant, but the fear is palpable!
As the situation unfolds, the Taraba State government is adamant about prioritizing student safety. The directive to close hostels and shift to day schooling is just one part of a larger strategy to mitigate risks and safeguard young lives amidst this alarming climate of insecurity.