•Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State
The Bauchi State government has announced the immediate closure of all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state, including federal government-owned as well as private schools.
It was earlier reported how insecurity worsened in the country recently, with repeated Boko Haram attacks on military and civilians and bandits’ abduction of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States.
The Bauchi State Police Command, yesterday, also confirmed the killing of five of its officers by bandits in Sabon Sara village, Darazo Local Government Area of the state, reports Daily Trust.
According to a statement signed by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman, the closure of the schools across the state followed extensive consultations, and was taken in response to growing security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers and school communities.
The statement noted that the government recognised the inconvenience the closure might cause, but stressed that the safety of children remained its key priority.
“However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.” part of the statement read.
“We, therefore, call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic, but to remain calm and cooperative.”
The statement added, “The government is working closely with security agencies to address the concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We also urge citizens to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something. Timely information from the public is crucial in safeguarding our communities.”
The statement added that the government would continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
