The Northern Governors’ Forum has called for swift and decisive action to rescue abducted children and prevent similar incidents. Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who is also the forum’s chairman, made this statement through his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, on Friday in Gombe. He described the abduction as “disturbing and unacceptable,” emphasizing that schools must remain safe and secure environments for learning.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of children in northern Nigeria, where efforts are being made to increase school enrollment and reduce the number of out-of-school children. Governor Yahaya stressed that the region cannot afford further setbacks in its efforts to promote education. “Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror,” he said.

The forum is worried about the rising trend of attacks on schools, which undermines the efforts of governments in the north to create safe and conducive learning environments. Governor Yahaya assured that the governors would work closely with security agencies and stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community vigilance, and reinforce school protection.

The governor conveyed his sympathy to the parents of the abducted pupils, the school authorities, and the government of Niger State. He commended the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts and urged security agencies to intensify operations with utmost urgency. Governor Yahaya also appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing information that may aid rescue efforts.

The abduction of children from schools is a recurring issue in northern Nigeria, with significant implications for the region’s educational system and the well-being of its children. The Northern Governors’ Forum’s call for action highlights the need for a coordinated response to address this issue and ensure the safety and security of schools in the region. As the search-and-rescue efforts continue, the forum’s emphasis on strengthening security measures and promoting cooperation between governments, security agencies, and communities is crucial in preventing similar incidents and promoting a safe learning environment.