The chairman of the committee investigating the vandalisation of public schools in Gombe State, Aliyu Kamara, has warned that anyone found responsible will face the full weight of the law.
Kamara spoke during an inspection of damaged school facilities in Balanga Local Government Area, as the committee intensified its statewide assessment of vandalised primary and secondary schools.
He said the assignment was painful but necessary, noting that while the state government has invested heavily in education, some individuals continue to destroy facilities meant for children.
“Schools belong to the people. When we vandalise them, we destroy our own future,” Kamara said, stressing that the committee would be fair but firm in its work.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya had last month set up the Kamara-led committee to investigate the growing cases of school vandalism across the state. The committee is tasked with identifying affected schools, assessing the extent of damage, uncovering the causes and patterns of the attacks, and recommending preventive measures and sanctions.
During the visit to Balanga, traditional rulers, including the Bala Waja, Danjuma Mohammed, and the Folo Dadiya, Abdulkadir Abubakar, pledged their support for efforts to protect school infrastructure. They called for improved security around schools and urged communities to stop treating government property with indifference.
“It is painful to see facilities meant for our children destroyed,” Abubakar said. “We need better security and stronger community involvement.”
The committee also met with the Balanga Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Salisu, education officials and other stakeholders before visiting affected schools in Zongomari, Wuro Dole and Ngalda communities.
In Billiri Local Government Area, Kamara described the level of vandalism in some schools as “worrisome” during meetings with traditional leaders, including the Mai Tangle, Danladi Maiyamba, who assured the committee of full cooperation.
The committee also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gona, Umar Abdussalam, who commended the state government for taking decisive action and pledged that local leaders would work with communities to safeguard schools.
Schools inspected in Billiri included Dangwaram Primary/Junior Secondary School and Sansani Junior Secondary School.
As inspections continue, residents have been urged to report anyone caught vandalising public property, with officials warning that offenders will not be spared.
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