Zamfara State government has closed down all boarding schools following the abduction of 317 schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe.

Briefing newsmen in Government House Gusau today, Governor Bello Matawalle said the schools must remain closed down until the security situation has improved in the state.

Matawalle said that, following the abduction of the schoolgirls in Jangebe, some parents have gone to the school to take their children away.

“We have no alternative than to close down all boarding schools so as to douse the fear being entertained by parents and guardians due to the recent abduction of the schoolgirls in Jangebe.

“We are, however, doing everything possible to rescue the children and reunite them with their families.

“We have already drafted two helicopters with a view to locating the children and rescue them.

The Governor said that the school has a population of over 500 students out of which 317 were still missing, assuring the parents of the students that they would soon see their children.

He maintained that the peace accord initiated by his administration could still be used to solve the insecurity challenges in the state.