Kebbi Govt Probes School Fire Incidents, Sets Up High-Powered Safety Committee

The Kebbi State Government has taken decisive action following a series of fire outbreaks reported in schools across the state, declaring that the safety of learners and educators must never be compromised.

In response to the incidents, the state government has approved the formation of a high-level investigative committee tasked with examining the causes of the school fire outbreaks and recommending long-term preventive solutions. The move underscores the administration’s resolve to safeguard educational environments and critical public infrastructure.

This development was made public in an official statement released on Thursday by Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor. According to the statement, the directive establishing the committee originated directly from the Office of the Governor and was formally communicated through the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy on January 14, 2026.

The investigative panel will be chaired by the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad Sakaba, reflecting the government’s intention to apply modern, data-driven approaches in addressing the issue.

Other members of the committee include the Chairman of the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Sulaiman Khalid, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and representatives from key security and emergency agencies. These include the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Kebbi State Fire Service, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-sectoral investigation.

Additionally, the Executive Director of the Kebbi State Security Management Agency has been appointed to serve as the Secretary of the committee, a role that places responsibility for documentation, coordination, and reporting squarely within the state’s security architecture.

The committee’s terms of reference are broad and strategic. They include identifying both the immediate and underlying causes of the fire incidents, evaluating the extent of damage and losses suffered by affected schools, and proposing practical safety and prevention measures to reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future. The panel is also expected to submit a detailed report containing actionable recommendations to guide government policy and interventions.

Reaffirming its position, the Kebbi State Government emphasized that no student or teacher should be exposed to danger within the school system. The administration assured residents that all necessary steps would be taken to strengthen safety standards, enhance emergency preparedness, and prevent a recurrence of school-related fire disasters across the state.