‎From Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
‎The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed that the closure of schools in parts of the state affected by banditry is a necessary measure to protect the lives of students and teachers.
‎Governor Nasir Idris’ Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdulllahi Idris Zuru, in a statement stated that Kebbi State Government noted that the decision, taken about seven months ago, was not political but a direct response to the persistent security challenges facing the state and the region at large.
‎In a statement, the government said it has uncovered another attempt by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), working through faceless groups and social media campaigns, to incite parents in affected areas to demand the immediate reopening of schools.
‎“The safety of our children cannot be subjected to politics or blackmail. No amount of falsehood or pressure will make this administration compromise on the lives of innocent students,” the statement said.
‎The government emphasised that Kebbi State is not alone in this situation. Schools in Borno State and several other northern states have remained closed due to insecurity.
‎To address the crisis, Idris has deployed hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles and increased military and mobile police presence, provided financial and logistical support to security agencies.
‎ He added that the Governor also engaged stakeholders, including security chiefs, traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders, and fellow governors, to develop lasting solutions
‎Last week, Idris hosted a meeting of first-term APC governors to strategize on curbing insecurity and reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors for a second term.
‎Following that, northern governors and traditional rulers held an enlarged security meeting in Kaduna and resolved to establish a Joint Security Fund. The fund will be chaired and utilised by the former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Martins Agwai and former SGF, Alhaji Yayale Ahmad, with each state contributing ₦1 billion monthly to confront insecurity collectively.
‎The Kebbi State Government called on parents, community leaders, and patriotic citizens to continue to support government efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safe reopening of schools when it is secure to do so.