The Edo State government has extended the school resumption date to protect children’s safety, saying it is in response to recent security threats and the soaring fuel prices.
“This decision is rooted in our deep commitment to protecting our children from all forms of danger,” the statement read.
In a statement by the state’s Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare on Tuesday the government expressed concern over the “astronomical increase in the price of fuel” and its impact on the cost of living, which influenced the decision.
In addition, intelligence reports revealed potential threats from the All Progressives Congress, which allegedly armed thugs to cause unrest across the state.
The government emphasized that “the safety of our children is paramount” and vowed to keep students at home until the situation is defused.
The statement accused the APC of “reckless behaviour that has resulted in the shooting of innocent individuals,” which is seen as part of a strategy to instigate a state of emergency.
The extension does not affect public holidays on Monday and Friday, and the government has assured that mechanisms are in place to address any learning loss during the extended period.
“Our commitment to our children’s education remains unwavering,” the government noted, promising to recover lost instructional time.
The public has been urged to “remain vigilant” and work together to maintain peace and stability in Edo State.
The statement reads, “In light of recent events, we have decided to extend the school resumption date to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.
“This decision is rooted in our deep commitment to protecting our children from all forms of danger including the possible consequences of the astronomical increase in the price of fuel as well as the concomitant increase in cost of living.
“We are also mindful of the intelligence report we received about the threats posed by the APC, who have reportedly imported and armed thugs that are causing mayhem across the state.
“Because the safety of our children is paramount, we do not want to take any chances hence we are keeping our children in the safety of their homes until we defuse the situation shortly.
“The APC’s actions, including their reckless behaviour that has resulted in the shooting of innocent individuals, raise serious alarms. We believe that these actions are part of a desperate strategy to instigate a state of emergency and shift the blame onto the PDP.
“We also want to clarify that apart from the public holidays on Monday and Friday, we have implemented mechanisms to ensure that any learning loss during this extended period will be effectively addressed. Our commitment to our children’s education remains unwavering, and we will work diligently to regain any lost instructional time.
“Our priority is the safety and education of our children. We will continue to take necessary measures to protect our communities and ensure that our schools are safe environments for learning.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and to work together to maintain peace and stability in Edo State.”
