Niger State Parents Concerned as Banditry Forces Children into Menial Jobs, Schools Remain Closed

Parents in security-affected communities of Rafi, Shiroro, and Munya Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Niger State are expressing deep concern over the future of their children as primary schools remain closed for the past three years due to banditry and insecurity.

Since 2021, many primary schools in these areas have been forced to shut down, leading to a significant number of children dropping out of school. The closure of over 400 primary and secondary schools, including designated nomadic schools, has disrupted the educational journey of thousands of children in these communities.

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According to the Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman Yumu, approximately 11,113 school-aged children have been out of school in the state over the past eight years. This closure has prompted children to engage in child labor, with many working in mining sites, street hawking, or begging to support themselves.

Despite the challenges, there has been a glimmer of hope as some primary schools in security-affected communities in Munya and Rafi LGAs have recently reopened for academic activities. This development has brought relief to some parents who are eager to send their children back to school if the government can ensure their absolute security.

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However, the reopening of schools is not uniform across all affected areas. While some schools have resumed classes, others in areas like Kukoki, Madaka, and Hana-Wanka are yet to reopen. Some parents have resorted to enrolling their children in private schools in other towns, while others are still waiting for the government to reopen public schools.

In Munya LGA, approximately 12 primary and Junior Secondary Schools have reopened, providing a ray of hope for education in the region. However, there are still concerns about security arrangements, with some communities lacking formal security measures to prevent unforeseen occurrences.

Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to improve security in the region. According to Garba Shehu Gago, the Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Munya Local Government, security agencies have blocked bandits' routes to affected communities, significantly reducing the incidence of attacks.

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However, in Shiroro LGA, there are reports of ongoing challenges, with out-of-school children still prevalent, especially in the Erena axis, including Galkogo and Chukuba.

The closure of schools due to banditry and insecurity continues to pose significant challenges to the education sector in Niger State, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to ensure the safety of children and the reopening of schools for uninterrupted learning.