The Northern States Governors’ Forum on Friday expressed deep distress over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, in a press statement signed by Ismaila Misilli Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House, described the incident as a disturbing and unacceptable affront on the safety of children, reiterating that schools must remain centres of learning, not spaces for violence.
The NSGF warned that Northern Nigeria cannot afford further setbacks in its collective push to mop up out-of-school children and return them to the classroom.
“As a Forum, we have consistently maintained that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror. Northern Nigeria already contends with significant challenges and educational setbacks, and we cannot allow criminal elements to derail our collective efforts at returning out-of-school children back into the classroom.
“The Forum is deeply worried and saddened by this ugly trend, especially at a time when governments across the North are investing heavily in creating safe, conducive and resilient learning environments,” the statement partly read.
He said as governors they cannot fold their arms and watch criminal elements undermine their efforts and instill fear in young learners and the region in general.
“The rising trend of attacks on schools is worrisome and saddening. As governors, we will continue to work closely with the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community vigilance and reinforce the protection of our schools,” he added
Governor Yahaya, on behalf of the Forum, conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the parents of the abducted pupils, the school authorities and the Government of Niger State, describing the ordeal as heartbreaking and deeply troubling.
He called for swift, decisive and well-coordinated action by all security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children and to prevent similar occurrences.
The Gombe Governor commended the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts while urging security formations to intensify operations with utmost urgency.
The NSGF urged the public to remain calm and cooperate fully with security operatives by providing information that may aid the rescue efforts.
