Security Threat: FCTA Orders Abuja Private Schools’ Closure

The Federal Capital Territory has directed the closure of all private schools in Abuja.

The directive comes amidst threats of attacks in the capital city.

Security agencies reportedly got a security report that the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram planned to attack Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina and Zamfara states as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Education had ordered the immediate closure of one of its Unity Colleges, the Federal Government College Kwali, located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

The decision was taken after a reported terrorist attack on the neighbouring Sheda community in the Area Council, which is close to the college.

However, in a statement signed by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Nigeria, Abuja. News correspondent gathered that the directive to shut down schools came from the FCT Education secretariat.

The message reads, “Dear school educators, instruction reaching me now from the Ag. Director DQA is that the FCT Education secretariat has directed that schools are to make sure all examinations going on should be ended by Wednesday, July 27, 2022, and all students including those in boarding should be allowed to go home for the holiday.

“Those writing external examinations and schools that have planned their end of the year speech and prize giving day beyond Wednesday, 27th could go ahead as planned but must put adequate security in place to safeguard both students and staff of their schools, you are addressed strictly to the above instructions”.

Confirming the authenticity of the statement, the publicity secretary, NAPPS, AMAC, Peter Edoh said, “Yes. It is very true”.

There have been reports of attacks in the capital city following the release of senior commanders of the Boko Haram during the invasion of the Kuje prison.