By ABUBAKAR HASSAN
The renewed upsurge in kidnapping of schoolchildren in Nigeria is gaining momentum, with troubling incidents reported in Niger and Kebbi states.
While government efforts to rescue abducted children appear largely ineffective, there are mounting fears that more children could suffer fates similar to the Chibok and Dapchi girls.
In Plateau State, the government, led by Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered the closure of all schools until further notice as a proactive safety measure against the resurgence of kidnappings.
While some see the closure as a necessary step, many others have expressed concerns over the government’s approach, arguing that shutting schools alone does not guarantee safety.
Teachers question effectiveness of school closures
Mr. Abdulrashid A. Sabo, a teacher at Naraguta Private School, Jos, stressed that while the closure was temporary, it may be ineffective.
“The decision makes no sense while there is nothing the government will do to stop the kidnappers after schools resume,” he said.
He added, “Even if schools are closed, people still go about their daily activities in the same communities where those schools are located. What is the government doing to safeguard them in their homes, mosques, churches, and markets? I believe there is nothing.”
Similarly, Mr. Muhammad Nuruddeen Adam, Acting Principal at Tetengi Comprehensive School, Ali Kazaure, described the closure as a negative step, asserting that government was merely playing politics with the issue.
“These kidnappers are apparently incapable of operating within Jos; they only operate in places near bushes for safe passage,” he pointed out.
On the other hand, Mr. Usman Mai Tangaran, an administrative officer at Maria Memorial College, Angwan Rogo, Jos, commended the government for taking that step.
“As an educationist, I understand that the government does not have enough resources to safeguard all schools right now, considering the number of schools in the state. This is a proactive measure, and kudos to the Plateau State government for making our safety and that of our students a priority,” he said.
He further advised the government to effectively equip the security forces to fight the bandits to secure the lives and property of citizens across the state and nation.
Parents, students voice concerns
Some parents, like Favor Rhoda Ayuba and Umar Bala, expressed concern that the closure would negatively affect their children’s academic activities and expose them to social vices.
Bala said, “I greatly fear that our children will end up doing other unnecessary things as schools are closed. I recall how we survived the Covid-19 era and how these children became very reluctant in their academics.”
He urged the state government to make necessary arrangements and reopen schools immediately.
Students preparing for final examinations also voiced worries.
Ummisalma Ahmed Kutubi, Habiba Haruna Yuguda, and Murtala Bashir, all SS3 students at Tetengi Comprehensive School, Jos, noted that the closure would heavily impact their studies and appealed to the government to take urgent action to solve the problem of insecurity bedeviling the country.
Similarly, some students resident in Jos – Christopher Samuel, Suhaila Salisu and Khadija Aliyu – acknowledged the government’s efforts aimed at preventing kidnappings but hoped that schools would reopen as soon as possible to minimise disruption to their education.