Delayed school resumption in Edo is to keep children safe, says commissioner

The Edo state government has further addressed the need to postpone the resumption of all schools in the state.

Last week, the state’s government indefinitely postponed the resumption of all its schools over the petrol price increase.

On September 3, the National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited increased the pump price across its retail outlets to N855.

Independent marketers of the products also fixed their prices between N855 and N1,000.

The hike has become a major economic challenge experienced by Nigerians.

Chris Nehikhare, Edo’s commissioner for information, said extending the resumption date was important for the safety of children.

Nehikhare spoke on Tuesday and said the state government received reports of a “threat against the peace and stability of Edo”.

The commissioner said some groups are suspected of hiring hoodlums to “disrupt the peace” in the state.

He added that the schools across the state would remain closed “until the situation is diffused”.

“This decision was also influenced by intelligence reports indicating that some groups had imported armed thugs, posing a threat to the peace and stability of Edo,” he said.

“We will not take any chances with our children’s safety. We are keeping them at home until the situation is diffused.”

The commissioner asked academic institutions to remain calm as the government puts mechanisms in place to make up for the lost time.