Security threat: Nasarawa govt orders immediate schools closure

Government of Niger has directed the immediate closure of both public and private schools, as a proactive step to safeguard the lives of students from across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

This is coming following reports of security threats across the nation, particularly at the Federal Capital Territory which has proximity to Nasarawa state.

The decision to order the closure of schools across the state, was part of the resolution arrived at during an expanded state executive council meeting at the Government House, Lafia on Wednesday.

Briefing Journalists shortly after the council meeting, state Commissioner for Education, Fatu Sabo, said “the decision became 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 directives exclude 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.

She added that Nasarawa state is safe but that the decision was taken as a proactive step to safeguard the lives of both pupils and students across the state.

Sabo equally appealed to principals and heads of respective schools, to also ensure the schools are closed in an orderly manner, especially that there is no threat to any life or property presently in Nasarawa 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 prioritized security and safety of lives and property in Nasarawa State,” she stated.

The commissioner emphasised that the decision is one of the measures that has been taken to ensure that the administration continues to maintain a safe environment within the state.