Lafia – The Nasarawa State Government on Wednesday ordered immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state due to the prevailing worsening security situation in some parts if the state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The state Commissioner for education, Hajia Fati Jimaita Sabo who announced the measure in Lafia said the move was a proactive step towards safeguarding lives of students , teachers and non-teaching staff in various schools in the state.
Sabo who disclosed this during a news conference she addressed shortly after the State Executive Council meeting explained that there were indications of threats to security of the state.
“At the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), government is already in possession of reports suggesting likely security threats in communities within the state, bordering the FCT, such as Gitata and Umaisha.
“The state government decided to close both public and private schools in the state with immediate effect considering the proximity of the state to the FCT as well as the resolve of government to ensure that schools in Nasarawa State operate within a safe environment,” she said.
The Commissioner, however, that only students in exit classes and are already writing their final examinations, especially in secondary schools will be allowed to remain in schools.
She appealed to parents not to panic or resort to any action that may aggravate the already tense security situation.
“Nasarawa State is safe but the decision was taken as a proactive step towards safeguard the lives of both pupils and students across 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.
“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 measures.
“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.
