Gov Kefas orders immediate closure of boarding facilities in Taraba schools

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has directed both public and private secondary schools across the state to immediately discontinue boarding services following heightened insecurity nationwide.

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

She explained that the growing wave of security threats across the country has increasingly exposed boarding students in secondary schools to the risk of abduction. The statement referenced recent incidents in Kebbi and Niger states, where students were kidnapped.

According to Godwin, the governor has now instructed that all secondary schools operate strictly as day schools until further notice.

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She noted that school principals and proprietors have been mandated to “deboard all students without delay.”

“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 statement added.

Godwin stated that the move is a precautionary measure intended to safeguard students and prevent potential security breaches amid rising tensions in the region.

She added that the government has reassured parents of its commitment to restoring calm and is maintaining close coordination with security agencies to manage the situation.

School administrators have also been urged to comply fully with the directive and strengthen surveillance within their premises.

On Friday, terrorists abducted several students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. Although details remain sketchy, Daily Trust reported that multiple sources confirmed several students were taken during the midnight invasion.

The attack follows a similar incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped earlier in the week, further intensifying concerns over insecurity in schools across the region.