Katsina, Plateau order immediate closure of schools as bandit attacks escalate

Amid rising insecurity and a disturbing wave of attacks on educational institutions, the governments of Katsina and Plateau states have ordered the immediate shutdown of all schools.

Katsina’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, confirmed the development on Friday while addressing journalists. He explained that the decision became necessary as authorities work to safeguard students and teachers across the state.

Jibia explained that the order applies even to students currently sitting for examinations, stressing that “protecting lives and property” remains the state’s foremost concern.

He described the closure as temporary and said it will remain in force until authorities complete a security assessment of areas considered vulnerable. According to him, academic activities will resume when those evaluations are finalised and adequate safeguards are in place.

Jibia appealed to parents, educators and residents to comply with the directive as officials continue to track the security situation.

In Plateau, Richard Jonah, spokesperson of the Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), issued a statement in Jos announcing a similar move.

Jonah said the action highlights “the urgent need for preventive action and to safeguard lives and property in the state”.

According to the statement, government junior model secondary schools are to close from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will suspend activities starting Monday, November 24.

The SUBEB PRO noted that although temporary, the closure is necessary to avert potential threats and reassure communities that the government is prioritising the safety of learners.

Jonah urged local government education authorities, school heads and community stakeholders to comply fully with the order and remain alert.

The decisions by both states follow recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger, incidents that have heightened anxiety among parents and officials in the north-west.