Security Alert Triggers School Shutdown Across Kogi as Govt Moves to Protect Students

 The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all schools across the state following fresh security intelligence, describing the move as a preventive step aimed at safeguarding pupils, students and teachers.

The directive was announced on Tuesday in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who stressed that the decision was not in response to any immediate threat to schools.

“This decision was not borne out of panic, but of responsibility. We chose to act proactively rather than wait for avoidable incidents,” Mr Fanwo said.

He disclosed that Governor Ahmed Ododo had instructed all relevant agencies to put measures in place to ensure schools reopen as soon as conditions improve, in order to limit disruption to academic activities.

According to the commissioner, the decision followed credible intelligence reports from security agencies, which are already conducting operations to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.

“The safety of our children, teachers and educational institutions is non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education,” he added.

Private schools were also directed to comply with the closure. Confirming this, the Kogi State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Reuben Jimoh, announced an adjustment to the academic calendar, bringing forward the midterm break.

“The midterm break has been fast-tracked, and schools will resume on February 16, 2026. No school should go against this adjustment,” Mr Jimoh said.

The closure comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Kogi State, particularly in Yagba East, Yagba West and Kabba-Bunu local government areas, where recent months have seen deadly attacks and mass abductions.

Security agencies have since intensified joint military and police operations across forested areas of the state, including air and ground offensives against suspected criminal camps, as authorities work to restore stability and ensure a safe return to classrooms.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk