Malami Accuses Kebbi Government of Putting Politics Over Children’s Education and Safety

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of education, healthcare, and security in Kebbi State, calling the situation critical and in need of urgent intervention.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami pointed to troubling statistics from national and international reports: 67.6% of children aged 6 to 15 in Kebbi are out of school, with a net school attendance rate of just 38%—one of the lowest in Nigeria.

UNICEF data further reveals that more than 88% of children in the state live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to essential needs like education, healthcare, clean water, and proper nutrition.

Malami also highlighted pervasive poverty, noting that over 72% of Kebbi residents live below the poverty line. He flagged serious health challenges, including an 81.5% malaria prevalence among children under five, and the fact that 71% of pregnant women in rural areas do not receive antenatal care.

On security, the statement cited a series of bandit attacks and kidnappings between 2021 and 2025, including the high-profile abduction of the Kebbi State Deputy Speaker.

Malami criticized the state government's focus on political messaging and public relations, arguing that these efforts have overshadowed the urgent need to address the state's education, health, and security crises.

“Addressing these challenges is essential for the development and wellbeing of Kebbi’s people,” Malami said, urging the government to prioritize practical solutions that directly improve citizens’ lives.