THE Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all schools across the state for a period of two weeks, citing security concerns and the need to safeguard lives and property.
The directive was announced on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria.
According to the government, the decision followed the receipt of credible security intelligence, necessitating urgent preventive measures around educational institutions to protect pupils, students and teachers.
Fanwo stressed that the move was not informed by panic, but by a sense of responsibility on the part of the state government.
“This decision is a purely preventive measure, taken on the basis of credible intelligence and the overriding need to put protective measures in place around schools to safeguard pupils, students and teachers,” he said.
“The decision was not borne out of panic, but of responsibility. We have chosen to act proactively rather than wait for avoidable incidents.”
The commissioner commended security agencies in the state for providing timely and actionable intelligence, noting that the cooperation underscores the effectiveness of Kogi’s security architecture.
He reassured residents that the government remains fully in control of the situation, adding that security agencies are working round the clock to identify, locate and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
“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,” the statement read.
Fanwo further disclosed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately put in place modalities that would ensure schools resume academic activities as soon as the security situation permits.
“The governor has ordered that necessary steps be taken to ensure schools resume promptly once it is safe, so as not to disrupt the state’s academic calendar,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Pastor Reuben Jimoh, has directed all private school owners to comply fully with the government’s directive.
In a statement issued to members, Jimoh said the ongoing mid-term break had been fast-tracked in line with the government’s decision.
“The mid-term break for schools has been fast-tracked and we shall be resuming on February 16, 2026,” he said.
“Therefore, there will be no school until February 16, 2026. No school should go against this adjustment.”
Several parents and guardians also confirmed receiving official messages from their children’s schools notifying them of the emergency break.
A parent, who identified himself simply as Saidu, said he received a message stating: “Dear parents, please be informed that the school received a directive to proceed on emergency break with effect from February 4, 2026. Resumption date will be announced later. Please encourage your ward to read at home.”