Following the insecurity challenges in the country, the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has directed all private and public schools to close all hostels and revert to day schooling.
This also came as the Catholic Diocese of Wukari tasked the federal government to take proactive action over resurgence of killings and sacking of communities in Southern Taraba.
In a statement, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, noted that the state has observed that boarding students are targets of bandits and outlaws following the recent abduction in Kebbi and Niger.
According to her, “In view of the unhealthy situation in the country, His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas has directed for the suspension of boarding (i.e., all schools should operate as day schools for the moment) in both private and public secondary schools in the State with immediate effect.
“In the light of the above, I am directed to inform all Principals and Proprietors of Secondary Schools to deboard all students without further delay.”
Also, the Catholic Diocese of Wukari said it is appalled by the recent resurgence of killings and sacking of communities, particularly members of the Diocese in Takum and Ussa LGAs.
In a statement issued at the end of a 3-day workshop on ‘Pastoral Care and Counseling for Traumatized and Distressed IDPs of the Diocese’ jointly signed by Very Rev. Fr. (Prof) Anthony I. Bature (Vicar Administration), Very Rev. Fr Simon Akuraga (Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Wukari), and Rev. Fr Moses Angyian (NCDPA Chairman, Catholic Diocese of Wukari), the Diocese noted that the attacks seem not to be abating and communities in these LGAs need security cover and help.
According to the statement: “These marauding terrorists attack individuals, families and communities, wielding sophisticated weapons, machetes and knives, to maim, kill and wantonly destroy property and means of livelihood with impunity.
“In most cases when they displace the local communities, they immediately move in to occupy their homes and farmlands.
“In the past two months, there have been constant attacks on several communities in Ussa and Takum Local Government Areas.
“However, it is worrisome to note that these attacks and killings have been intensified in the past days with little or in most cases, nothing being done by security agents to stop the attackers.
“Many of the displaced who are now in various IDP camps are left unprotected and unattended to.
“While we appreciate the effort of the Taraba State government to intervene in crises situations in some parts of the State, we expect the government to extend the same gesture to areas currently affected in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas.
“We use this opportunity to call on the Federal, State and Local Government Authorities of the affected areas to expedite actions to stop these senseless killings and wanton destruction and to provide immediate relief materials for the displaced persons.
“It is also important to facilitate treatment for the injured, most of whom cannot afford proper medical care as they have lost their means of livelihood to the attacks.
“The return, reintegration and rehabilitation of the displaced persons should also be given the desired attention. These people are peaceful farming communities and should not be chased out of their homes just to feed cows.
“As we continue to work and pray for peace, we also call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to be open to HELP from wherever it can come from to end killings in the country”.