Kwara State Government Announces School Reopening After Security Enhancements
The Kwara State Government has officially approved the reopening of all educational institutions across the state, effective from Monday. This decision comes after several weeks of closure prompted by security challenges in various parts of the state.
Official Announcement and Security Context
Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, made the announcement on Sunday, February 1, through an official statement. He confirmed that school authorities have already received formal notification regarding the resumption of academic activities.
The commissioner explained that this approval follows extensive security operations conducted by military forces and other security agencies. These operations specifically targeted bandits and criminal elements hiding in forest areas and identified flashpoints throughout Kwara State.
"The government deems the situation now to be a lot better than it was before. Even so, we continue to maintain vigilance," Olohungbebe stated in the release, which was signed by the ministry's Press Secretary, Peter Amogbonjaye.
Intensified Security Operations Against Banditry
The school reopening coincides with heightened military offensives against bandit camps, particularly in forested regions that previously served as safe havens for criminal gangs. Last week witnessed coordinated clearance operations by Nigerian Army troops, working alongside other security agencies, in identified enclaves.
These operations resulted in:
- The dislodgement of bandits from multiple locations
- The destruction of bandit camps and hideouts
- The arrest of suspected bandits
- The recovery of arms and ammunition during intelligence-led missions
Security sources have confirmed these developments, though they noted challenges with some community members allegedly acting as informants, which occasionally affected operational success.
Background of School Closures and Government Assurance
The initial school closures followed a series of kidnappings and community attacks in parts of Kwara State, which created widespread safety concerns among parents. Many families withdrew their children from educational institutions as precautionary measures.
Commissioner Olohungbebe emphasized that security operations continue steadily to consolidate recent gains, while the government simultaneously works to strengthen community resilience alongside kinetic security efforts.
The Education Commissioner provided specific reassurances to parents, students, and education stakeholders:
- The safety of learners and education workers remains the state government's top priority
- School administrators must maintain close communication with security agencies
- Any suspicious activities around school environments should be reported promptly
This comprehensive approach aims to create a secure learning environment while maintaining ongoing vigilance against potential security threats.
