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The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised Christian-owned schools operating on the outskirts of the state to shut down temporarily or revert to day-school format in response to rising student abductions nationwide.
The warning, issued by the state chairman, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, follows recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Kebbi, Niger and other states, heightening fears over renewed bandit attacks on learning centres.
Speaking in Kaduna, Ma’aji said rural-based schools should also consider suspending boarding activities or adopt stricter vigilance to avoid falling victim to surrounding security threats.
According to him, “Alternatively, if need be, schools that are on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis should be closed down for now to ensure the safety of the students until the security situation improves in the country.”
He urged the government to strengthen security around schools to prevent a repeat of the mass abductions witnessed in Kebbi and Niger, where terrorists recently kidnapped 215 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school.
The CAN chairman sympathised with families and authorities in the affected states, praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and urging parents to remain hopeful.
He also appealed to federal and state governments to act decisively, describing the renewed wave of banditry as alarming and disruptive to citizens’ safety, wellbeing and economic activities.