The Kogi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following rising security concerns and reported cases of kidnapping, particularly within the western senatorial district.
The directive was issued by Governor Usman Ododo as part of preventive measures aimed at safeguarding pupils, students, teachers, and school facilities amid growing fears of insecurity.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the decision was taken based on credible intelligence reports and the government’s responsibility to prioritise safety.
Fanwo explained that the temporary shutdown was not driven by panic but by the need to act proactively to prevent avoidable incidents.
“The closure of schools across the state is a purely preventive decision, taken on the basis of credible intelligence and the overriding need to put protective measures in place around our schools,” he said.
He added that Governor Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately put modalities in place to ensure that schools resume academic activities as soon as it is deemed safe, so as not to disrupt the academic calendar.
Fanwo commended security agencies for providing timely and actionable intelligence, noting that such cooperation reflects the effectiveness of the state’s security framework.
He reassured residents that the government remains fully in control of the situation, stressing that security agencies are working round the clock to identify, locate, and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
“The safety of our children, teachers, and educational institutions remains non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education,” Fanwo stated.
Fredrick Odimayo
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