The Kaduna State Government has said it will not close down schools following a spate of attacks by bandits targeting schools, communities and public institutions in some parts of the state.

This is the outcome of a meeting between Governor Nasir El-Rufai, traditional Rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders on Tuesday, where the residents also backed El-Rufai’s position not to negotiate with the bandits.

Speaking during the meeting, El-Rufai reiterated the commitment of the government to work closely with all relevant stakeholders on how best to tackle the Security challenges confronting Kaduna state.

The meeting comes barely five days after 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state were abducted from their hostel by bandits.

READ ALSO: Police Arrest Lecturer Accused Of Raping Teenage Student In Ogun

While the search and possible rescue of the abducted students is ongoing, Governor El-Rufai said after an assessment of the security situation by the stakeholders, the government has decided that the schools will remain open and better.

El-Rufai said while the government searches for solutions to the security challenges confronting the state, he said his job as governor is to enforce the law and help to prosecute people who commit offences.

Other issues raised during the meeting are the need for decentralisation of the police force, beefing up security around the schools and above all, taking the fight to the doorsteps of the bandits.