President Bola Tinubu has cautioned state governments against establishing boarding schools in remote or poorly secured areas, warning that such locations expose students to increasing security threats.
His remarks follow a fresh wave of mass abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers in Niger, Kebbi, and other parts of the country over the past week.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the President stressed that boarding schools situated in isolated areas remain prime targets for armed groups.
“States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security,” Tinubu said.
The President also called on churches and mosques, particularly those operating in vulnerable communities, to maintain regular engagement with security agencies and ensure adequate protection during worship activities.
Tinubu reassured citizens that his administration is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining abducted students of the Catholic school in Niger State, as well as other Nigerians still in captivity. On Tuesday, he confirmed the safe release of the 24 remaining schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State.
Beyond the escalating kidnapping crisis, Tinubu urged herders nationwide to embrace a transition from open grazing to ranching, surrender illegal firearms, and support the government’s new livestock reform strategy.
He described ranching as the sustainable path forward in resolving the long-standing farmer–herder conflict, which has fueled violent clashes and widespread instability across northern and central states in recent months.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said. “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of this opportunity, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.”
The President highlighted the newly created Ministry of Livestock as a cornerstone of his administration’s long-term plan to modernise livestock production and reduce tensions over land use. He urged herders to collaborate with the ministry to fully transition into ranch-based operations.
Tinubu emphasised that the Federal Government, working with states, will provide full support for the transition, including frameworks for ranch establishment and measures to curb the circulation of illegal arms.
