The spate of bandit attacks on schools in Kaduna State has led to a significant decline in school enrolment, with many parents opting to withdraw their children from schools due to safety concerns. These attacks have not only affected the educational system but have also left families impoverished, as ransom payments totaling millions of naira have been extorted.
One of the recent mass abductions occurred at LEA Primary School and GSS Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area, where 137 pupils were kidnapped along with a teacher. Tragically, the teacher died in captivity due to torture by the bandits. The children were rescued 16 days later in Zamfara State.
The Kaduna State government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has taken steps to address the security challenges in schools. The government has implemented the Safe School Initiative by fencing schools, establishing Security and Safety Response Committees, and deploying the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to schools. Additionally, the government has initiated the merger of schools in high-risk communities as an immediate solution.
While the school merger project may present challenges such as transportation and security for students traveling to and from their new schools, the state government is prepared to manage these challenges for the plan's success. Governor Sani emphasized the importance of ensuring unhindered education for children in the state and commended the Federal Government for launching the N144.8 billion Safe Schools Financing Plan in 2022.
The recent launch of the Police Force Schools Protection Squad in Kaduna highlights the government's commitment to enhancing security in schools. The squad, part of the Safe School Declaration and the Safe School Initiative, aims to protect students, teachers, and educational infrastructure from attacks by armed groups and non-state actors.
While these efforts are commendable, stakeholders have expressed concerns about the feasibility of maintaining a large number of merged schools. Some have suggested recruiting local youths into the KADVS to enhance security in bandit-prone areas. Others believe that addressing insecurity comprehensively is the only long-term solution to ensure the safety and continuity of education in the state.
