Insecurity: Kaduna postpones resumption of schools

The Kaduna government has postponed the resumption of schools in the state over an ongoing “security operation”.

The government had ordered the closure of public and private schools on July 15 to enable it review the 2020/2021 academic calendar.

The government subsequently fixed August 9 for resumption of normal school activities.

But in a statement issued on Friday, jointly signed by Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, and Shehu Muhammad, commissioner for education, the government said the resumption date is no longer feasible based on the advice by security operatives.

The government also ordered that the execution of infrastructure projects in high-risks areas be discontinued.

The commissioners said the new date for school resumption will be announced based on security assessment.

“As the security operations proceed, the Kaduna state government has been advised to postpone the resumption of schools, previously scheduled for 9th August 2021, and to pause the continuation of infrastructure projects and construction in high-risk areas, while awaiting further assessments by the security agencies,” the statement reads.

“The Kaduna state government has accepted the security advisory, and hereby directs total compliance by all schools, and agencies involved in delivering infrastructure projects in high-risk areas.

“New dates for school resumption will be announced based on security assessments.”

The government commended security operatives for flushing out criminal elements around the Kaduna/Niger/Katsina/Plateau and Zamfara boundaries, and asked that the operations be taken to newly identified hideouts.

In recent times, schools in Kaduna have been targeted by gunmen who kidnap schoolchildren.

TheCable had reported how 13 schools were closed in July, after some students were declared missing when gunmen attacked Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi, Chikun LGA of the state.