Niger State Government Suspends Graduation Ceremonies in Kontagora Over Insecurity and Miscreant Attacks

The Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has ordered the immediate suspension of all sign-out and graduation ceremonies in both public and private schools within the Kontagora Emirate due to growing security concerns.

The directive comes after a series of disruptions caused by miscreants during school-related activities, raising fears about the safety of students. Authorities said the decision aims to protect students during significant school events.

Kontagora, one of Niger State’s 25 local government areas, has been a hotspot of recent violence, including attacks by armed bandits. A statement signed by the Director of Schools and Educational Services on behalf of the Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to prevent further chaos.

“In light of recent events, where miscreants have disrupted school-related activities in Kontagora Emirate, it has become imperative to prioritise the safety and well-being of our students during significant school events such as sign-out and graduation ceremonies,” the statement read.

Schools are now required to obtain prior approval from the Ministry before organizing such events. Non-compliance, according to the ministry, will attract sanctions.

Niger State has witnessed a rise in insecurity, especially in rural and farming communities. Banditry and attacks have displaced thousands and claimed numerous lives. In areas like Gulbin Boka and Kwanan Dutse in Mariga Local Government Area, armed groups have overrun military bases, resulting in casualties among soldiers.

In a bid to address the escalating crisis, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, recently convened the ‘First Kontagora Emirate Security Engagement and Town Hall Meeting’ to engage stakeholders on urgent security interventions.

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