Insecurity: Nasarawa gov’t orders immediate closure of public, private schools

Story from Ibraheem Hamza MUHAMMAD, Lafia

Nasarawa State Government has ordered the immediate closure of both public and private schools, as a proactive step to safeguard the lives of students across the state.

This follows the security threats across the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with government already in possession of reports of a likely terrorists attacks in communities within the states bordering the FCT, such as Gitata and Umaisha.

The decision to order for the closure of schools across the state, was part of the resolution arrived at during an expanded state executive council meeting, which took place at the government house on Wednesday.

Briefing journalists shortly after the council meeting, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatu Jimaita Sabo, disclosed that the council has considered and reviewed the current situation in the country, especially regarding the security threats in the FCT, hence, the state government decided to close both public and private schools in the state with immediate effect.

Hajiya Sabo said the decision has become necessary considering the proximity of the state to the FCT, as well as the resolve of the government to ensure that schools in Nasarawa State operate within a safe environment.

She however explained that the directive excludes the exit classes that are already writing their final examinations, especially in secondary schools.

While announcing that her ministry will, in due course, issue a circular to that effect, the education commissioner appealed to parents not to panic, adding that Nasarawa State is safe but that the decision was taken as a proactive step to safeguard the lives of both staff and students across the state.

Hajiya Sabo equally appealed to principals and heads of respective schools, to also ensure the schools are closed in an orderly manner, especially since there is no threat to any life or property presently in the state.

“We are appealing to parents not to panic. We all know that Nasarawa State is safe but this decision was taken as a proactive measure to ensure that our children are safe and continue to remain safe. That is for those within the state and those that came from other states to study here.

“We want to also appeal to our principals and heads of respective schools, to also ensure that while we are closing these schools, we do it in an orderly manner. There’s no threat to any life or property as at now in Nasarawa State. And as I mentioned, it’s just part of government’s proactive measure. We are all aware, that His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has always prioritised security and safety of lives and property in Nasarawa State,” she stated.

The commissioner explained that the decision is one of the measures that have been taken to ensure that the administration continue to maintain a safe environment within Nasarawa State.

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