The Kogi State Government has sealed the Daarul Kitab Islamic Training Centre in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, over allegations that the institution was operating without official approval.

The closure comes barely days after armed men invaded the facility on April 26 and abducted 23 students alongside the wife of the school proprietor.

The State Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, led officials of the Ministry of Education to shut down the centre on Friday, directing the proprietor to report immediately to the ministry. He stated that the school would remain closed until it fulfils all legal and operational requirements for approval.

Jones reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that schools across the state are safe, secure and conducive for effective teaching and learning, stressing that the administration would not compromise standards in the establishment and operation of educational institutions.

According to him, although the proprietor had commenced the registration process, the school was not expected to begin operations before securing full government approval.

“The Kogi State Government is alive to its responsibility of ensuring that schools in the state are conducive and safe for teaching and learning,” the commissioner said.

All the abducted victims have since regained freedom following a joint rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies.

The state government also reiterated its resolve to intensify monitoring of schools across Kogi to ensure compliance with regulations and protect students from security threats. (Nigerian Tribune)