Taraba Govt Shuts Down All Public, Private Boarding Schools Over Security Threats

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has directed all private and public secondary schools in the state to immediately deboard their students amid growing insecurity across the country.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin.

According to the statement, escalating security threats nationwide have made boarding students in both private and public schools potential targets for kidnappers, especially in light of the recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger states.

Godwin said the governor has instructed that all secondary schools operate strictly as day schools until further notice.

She added that principals and proprietors have been directed to carry out the deboarding process immediately.

The statement reads: “In light of the current circumstances, Governor Kefas has issued a directive requiring all secondary schools, both public and private, to function exclusively as day schools for the time being. Principals and school owners have been advised to promptly arrange for the deboarding of all students.”

The commissioner explained that the measure is a proactive step aimed at safeguarding students’ lives and preventing potential security breaches linked to rising unrest in the region.

Godwin said the state government has assured parents of its commitment to restoring stability and will continue working closely with security agencies to address the situation.

She noted that school authorities have been urged to fully comply with the directive and increase vigilance on their premises.

The order comes as several students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped during a midnight attack on Friday. 

The incident follows another attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, heightening concerns over worsening security in educational institutions across the region.