Ododo
Picnews
Kogi State has ordered the immediate closure of all schools due to insecurity concerns. The government cited credible intelligence reports indicating potential threats to pupils, students, and teachers, prompting the decision.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed relevant agencies to deploy necessary measures to ensure schools resume academic activities as soon as it’s safe, minimizing disruption to the academic calendar. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, emphasized that the decision wasn’t taken out of panic but responsibility, prioritizing lives over academic schedules.
The closure affects both public and private schools, with the midterm break fast-forwarded to an emergency lockdown until February 16, 2026. Fanwo assured residents that security agencies are working round the clock to address potential threats and protect citizens .
The Kogi State Government commended security agencies for providing timely and actionable intelligence, underscoring the effectiveness of the state’s security framework. The administration prioritizes the safety of children, teachers, and educational institutions.
The decision has sparked concerns among parents and educators, with some expressing worries about the impact on academic progress. However, officials reassure that measures are being taken to minimize disruptions.
In a statement, Pastor Reuben Jimoh, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Kogi, confirmed the closure and urged schools to comply.
The Kogi State Government has not disclosed specific details about the security threats, citing the need to protect sensitive information. However, security experts suggest that the move is likely a response to growing concerns about kidnappings and attacks on schools in the region.
