By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governments and religious institutions to strengthen security around schools and places of worship, warning that the continued establishment of educational facilities in isolated areas without adequate protection puts children at grave risk.
In a statement delivered on Monday, Tinubu urged states to “rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security,” stressing that recent attacks on rural communities and learning centres highlight the urgent need for proactive safety measures.
The president also appealed to religious bodies across the country to prioritise security during congregational gatherings. “Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas,” he said.
Tinubu’s comments come amid rising concerns over kidnappings, armed banditry, and violent extremism in parts of northern and central Nigeria. Analysts say schools located far from urban centres remain some of the most vulnerable targets, with several mass abductions recorded over the past decade.
The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, calling for closer coordination between federal and state authorities as well as community leaders. However, he insisted that preventive measures at the local level remain crucial to safeguarding lives.
While security agencies continue ongoing operations against armed groups, Tinubu emphasised that protecting schools and places of worship must become a shared national priority.
