Kogi State Government has clarified that the directive for the temporary closure of schools across the state is a preventive security measure based on credible intelligence, not panic.
Addressing journalists in Lokoja, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, explained that the decision was taken to safeguard pupils, students, and teachers while protective measures are put in place. He stressed that the government acted proactively to avert avoidable incidents.
Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed relevant agencies to deploy modalities that will ensure schools resume academic activities as soon as it is safe, so as not to disrupt the academic calendar. He commended security agencies for their timely intelligence, describing it as proof of the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.
“The safety of our children, teachers, and educational institutions remains non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education,” Fanwo said.
The directive, issued by the State Ministry of Education, mandated all primary and secondary schools to embark on an emergency mid-term break effective February 4, 2026. Schools are expected to resume on February 16, 2026, according to the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).
Parents have also been notified by schools, with management urging them to encourage their wards to study at home during the break.
The government reassured residents that security agencies are working round the clock to track and dismantle criminal networks, emphasizing that the move is part of broader efforts to protect lives and maintain peace across the state.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
