Nasarawa government has ordered the immediate closure of primary and secondary schools in the state over “security threats”.

Fatu Sabo, Nasarawa commissioner for education, announced the development on Wednesday after a meeting of the state executive council.

According to Sabo, Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa, gave the order.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Nasarawa commissioner, however, said those currently undertaking the National Examinations Council (NECO) senior school certificate examination (SSCE) would be allowed to remain in school, while measures would be taken to ensure their safety.

“Following recurring incidences of security breaches and threats in parts of the country including some neighboring States, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, has directed the immediate closure of both public and private primary and secondary schools operating in the state as a precautionary measure,” the statement reads.

“Accordingly, all Principals and Head Teachers of Secondary and Primary schools are directed to release their students/pupils to their parents and guardians.

“It is noteworthy however that students currently undertaking the NECO/SSCE examinations are to remain as Government has put measures in place to ensure their safety during the examinations.”

The development comes on the heels of recent attacks by gunmen in the federal capital territory (FCT), as well as threats of further attacks — Nasarawa shares border with the FCT.

Among recent attacks in the FCT was the invasion of a correctional facility in the Kuje council area on July 5, which resulted in the escape of hundreds of inmates — including Boko Haram suspects.

On July 24, troops of the presidential guard were attacked in the FCT, with three casualties recorded.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the federal ministry of education ordered the closure of the Federal Government College, Kwali, also in the FCT, over threat of attacks.

The Cable