The Kebbi State Government has defended its decision to keep schools in parts of the state closed, insisting that the measure is driven solely by security concerns and not political considerations.
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The government said the temporary closure was introduced to safeguard the lives of students, teachers, and other education personnel in communities affected by persistent banditry.
The Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, stressing that the safety of learners remains the government’s top priority.
According to Zuru, the decision to shut the affected schools was taken about seven months ago following a rise in insecurity across parts of Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.
“The closure is not political. It is a direct response to the security challenges posed by banditry in the state and across the North-West,” he said.
He alleged that some groups had attempted to politicise the issue by using social media campaigns to pressure the government into reopening schools despite the prevailing security situation.
Zuru maintained that the state government would not compromise the safety of students and teachers, noting that similar school closures have also been implemented in other northern states experiencing security challenges.
He disclosed that the Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to restore peace by providing operational support to security agencies, including the donation of vehicles and motorcycles to strengthen security operations.
According to him, Governor Nasir Idris has also increased the deployment of military personnel and mobile police officers while providing financial and logistical assistance to security agencies operating in the state.
The government, he added, has continued to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, and security chiefs in search of lasting solutions to the insecurity affecting communities.
Zuru further revealed that Governor Idris recently hosted governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where discussions focused on collaborative strategies to combat insecurity and support ongoing security efforts under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also referenced a recent meeting of northern governors and traditional rulers in Kaduna, where participants agreed to establish a Joint Security Fund to strengthen security operations across the region through monthly contributions from participating states.
The special adviser appealed to parents, community leaders, and residents to continue supporting government efforts, assuring them that schools would be reopened once authorities are satisfied that the security situation has improved.
He reiterated that the state government remains committed to ensuring that every child returns to a safe and secure learning environment.
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