Kebbi State maintains school closures in banditry-affected areas due to security concerns

The Kebbi State Government has reiterated that schools in communities impacted by banditry will stay closed until security conditions improve, emphasizing that the safety of students and teachers is paramount. Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, stated that the decision to close schools seven months ago was based purely on security, not politics. The government cautioned against attempts to politicize the situation, alleging that the African Democratic Congress was pressuring for school reopenings through unnamed groups and social media. It affirmed that protecting lives is Governor Nasir Idris's primary responsibility and schools will only reopen when authorities are satisfied with security improvements. The government noted similar measures taken in Borno and other northern states due to insecurity. Efforts to restore peace include deploying operational vehicles and motorcycles, increasing military and police presence, and providing support to security agencies. The governor has engaged security chiefs, traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders, and fellow governors in consultations. He recently hosted a meeting of first-term APC governors to discuss insecurity and support President Bola Tinubu. A subsequent meeting of northern governors and traditional rulers in Kaduna agreed to establish a joint security fund, coordinated by former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Martin Luther Agwai retd., and former Secretary to the Government