Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has ordered all private and public secondary schools in the state to immediately deboard their students in response to rising insecurity across the country.

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

According to the statement, the escalating security challenges nationwide have made boarding students in both public and private secondary schools potential targets for kidnappers, referencing the recent abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger states.

Godwin said the governor has directed that all secondary schools, public and private, operate strictly as day schools until further notice.

She added that principals and school proprietors have been instructed 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

The measure, she explained, is a proactive step aimed at safeguarding students’ lives and preventing any security breaches linked to the growing unrest in the region.

Godwin said the state government has assured parents of its commitment to restoring stability and promised to continue working closely with security agencies to address the situation.

She stated that school authorities have also been urged to comply fully with the directive and enhance vigilance within their premises.

On Friday, several students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists. Details of the attack remain unclear, but according to Daily Trust, multiple sources said several students were taken during the midnight raid.

The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region. (Saturday PUNCH)