Kogi State Government has shut down Daarul Kitab Islamic Training Centre, which also operates as orphanage home in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, for operating without government approval.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the closure of the school follows the April 26 attack, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils, including the wife of the proprietor.

All the victims have since regained their freedom following a joint operation by 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Kogi Police Command and other security agencies.

The school was shut down on Friday by the State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, who led officials of the ministry of Education to the center.

Speaking during the exercise, Jones directed the proprietor to report to the ministry immediately, stressing that the school would remain shut down until all requirements for legal establishment and operation are met.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that schools across the state are safe, conducive, and meet approved standards for teaching and learning.

The commissioner also said the administration would not compromise standards in the establishment and operation of schools in the state.

According to him, although the proprietor had intitated the registration process, the school ought not to have commenced operations without government’s approval.

“The Kogi State Government is alive to its responsibility of ensuring that schools in the state are conducive and safe for teaching and learning,” he said.

He reiterated that the state government would continue to monitor schools across the state to enforce compliance and safeguard students across the state.