Insecurity: Borno govt seeks security guarantees to reopen seven schools

The Borno State Government has requested stringent security assurances from the military and community leaders prior to reopening seven schools that were closed due to insecurity in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas. Lawan Wakilbe, the State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, expressed this demand during a meeting with stakeholders in the two local government areas.

He emphasized that the well-being of students, teachers, and pupils was paramount and underscored the necessity of robust security measures before the schools can resume their academic programs. During the discussions, Wakilbe met with military commanders from the 28 Task Force Brigade in Chibok and the 115 Task Force Battalion in Askira-Uba, who assured their commitment to ensuring the security of the schools and surrounding communities.

He also engaged with the Emirs of Askira and Uba, local government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, who were encouraged to support the Safe School Initiative and motivate parents to send their children back to school. Town-hall meetings were held in Lassa, Dille, and Chul, where stakeholders deliberated on community-led safety measures, the prompt reporting of security threats, and improved cooperation between the community, education authorities, and security forces.

Subsequently, Wakilbe spoke with education secretaries, head teachers, and principals of the affected schools, instructing them to prepare for the resumption of classes once the security concerns are addressed. These schools had been closed following attacks on the Mussa, Kautikari, and Lassa communities.