President Bola Tinubu has urged state governments to rethink the establishment of boarding schools in remote or under-protected areas, citing the growing risks to students.
This followed a wave of mass school kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers in Niger, Kebbi and other parts of the country in the past week.
In a statement he signed on Wednesday, the President warned that poorly located boarding institutions are increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
“States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security,” the president said.
Tinubu also urged mosques and churches to constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.
Speaking further, the President assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to maintain efforts in securing the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held, hostage.
“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held, hostage,” he stated.
Tinubu on Tuesday had announced the safe release of all 24 remaining schoolgirls in Kebbi state.
Ranching, surrendering illegal arms
Tinubu also urged herders to end open grazing, surrender all illegal weapons, and transition to ranching.
He said this would anchor a new national strategy to resolve the long-standing farmer–herder conflict.
The President said the Federal Government is now prioritising a sustainable solution to the violent confrontations between herders and farming communities, clashes that have contributed to instability in several northern and central states.
The admonition follows a wave of mass kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers in Niger, Kebbi and other parts of the country in the past week.
It also comes after farmer–herder conflicts left scores dead in the North Central region in recent months.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” the President said, adding, “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of this opportunity, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.”
He highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock as a key part of the administration’s long-term plan to tackle the crisis.
The President urged all herder associations to collaborate with the ministry, modernise livestock production, and transition to ranch-based operations.
He noted that the farmer–herder conflict has consistently fueled insecurity, ranging from land disputes to deadly confrontations, particularly in the Middle Belt.
Tinubu emphasised that the new livestock policy is designed to protect both farmers and herders while reducing tensions over land use.
As part of the broader security emergency, he said the Federal Government, working alongside state governments, will fully support the transition process, including frameworks for ranch establishment and mechanisms to curb illegal arms circulation.