The Kogi State Government has shut down the Daarul Kitab Islamic Training Centre located in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, over its alleged operation without official approval.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the closure comes after the April 26 attack on the facility, during which armed men invaded the premises and kidnapped 23 pupils, among them the wife of the school’s proprietor.
All the abductees were later released following a coordinated rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Kogi State Police Command, and other security agencies.
The institution was sealed on Friday by the State Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, who led officials from the Ministry of Education to the centre.
He instructed the proprietor to immediately report to the ministry, adding that the school would remain closed until it fully meets the legal requirements for establishment and operation.
Reaffirming the government’s stance on education standards, Jones said the state would not compromise on safety and regulatory compliance.
“The Kogi State Government is alive to its responsibility of ensuring that schools in the state are conducive and safe for teaching and learning,” Jones said.
He further explained that although the proprietor had initiated the registration process, the institution ought not to have commenced operations without formal approval.
Jones added that the government would continue monitoring schools across the state to enforce compliance and ensure the safety of students.
