The Kogi State government has explained that the decision to close down schools was a proactive step taken to safeguard pupils, students, and teachers.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, it was a purely preventive measure, taken on the basis of credible intelligence and the overriding interests of the people.

The clarification follows the backdrop of the sudden decision by the state government, under the leadership of Governor Usman Ododo, on Tuesday to order the closure of both privately owned and government-owned schools across the state.

However, amidst the confusion, criticism and backlash which followed the order, Naija News reports that Fanwo, in a statement made available to newsmen, explained that the decision was not borne out of panic, but of responsibility, stressing that the government chose to act proactively rather than wait for avoidable incidents.

According to him, Governor Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately deploy necessary modalities to ensure that schools resume academic activities as soon as it is safe, so as not to disrupt the state’s academic calendar.

Fanwo commended the security agencies for their timely and actionable intelligence, noting that such cooperation underscored the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.

He reassured the people of Kogi State that the government was fully on top of the situation, adding that security agencies were already working round the clock to identify, locate, and decisively deal with criminal hideouts.

“The safety of our children, teachers, and educational institutions remains non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education,” Fanwo added.