The Kebbi State Government has announced the reopening of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where 25 schoolgirls were abducted by bandits last year before they were later rescued.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, disclosed this while briefing journalists after a security meeting with principals and school heads in Birnin Kebbi.
According to her, the decision followed extensive counseling for students and parents, as well as the full deployment of security personnel to restore confidence and ensure a safe learning environment.
“Confidence has been restored among parents, students, and staff through counseling and the deployment of security operatives,” Bande said. “This has paved the way for the resumption of academic activities at the school.”
The school was shut down after the abduction incident last year, which sent shockwaves across the state. The rescued students later met with Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Bande said the state government had put in place all necessary security measures to guarantee the safety of students and teachers across Kebbi.
She revealed that Governor Idris had directed the conduct of security awareness programmes for school administrators to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“These sessions have already been held in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, and Argungu, with the final one conducted in Birnin Kebbi,” she noted.
The commissioner stressed that principals, vice-principals, staff, and students all have crucial roles to play in maintaining school security.
“We must not allow our collective psyche for peaceful living to be taken away by bandits,” she said.
She added that the purpose of the security forums was to ensure the smooth running of schools through increased security awareness.
Schools Urged to Work With Host Communities
Bande urged school authorities to maintain strong relationships with their host communities, describing them as key stakeholders in ensuring safety.
“Schools must sustain good relationships with their host communities because they are part of the security architecture,” she said.
She also advised principals to maintain regular contact with security agencies for professional guidance, stressing the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses.
The commissioner praised Governor Idris for approving the deployment of security personnel to schools, noting that it had boosted the confidence of teachers and students.
She also commended the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and Department of State Services (DSS) for educating school principals on security awareness and safety strategies.
Police, NSCDC Warn Against Negligence
Speaking at the meeting, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, warned principals against negligence that could expose schools to criminals.
“You must manage your schools with security consciousness,” Gumi said. “Ensure adequate lighting, as criminals detest exposure, and remain alert to suspicious characters.”
Similarly, the Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, Wale Henry, described the porous nature of some schools as a major security risk.
“The pillars of security include proper fencing, vigilance, and intelligent personnel manning school gates,” he stated.
Henry also warned against internal security threats such as cultism and other moral challenges among students, calling for strict monitoring to protect them from negative influences.
Governor’s Directive Fully Implemented
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Danladi Hassan Ribah (rtd.), confirmed that Governor Nasir Idris’ directive to secure school environments across Kebbi State had been fully implemented.
He said the meetings with principals were aimed at consolidating efforts toward creating a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
On the issue of de-boarding some boarding schools, Ribah disclosed that a committee had submitted its report and that the state government was awaiting the governor’s final decisions.
