Katsina State has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools due to escalating security threats and banditry attacks.
The Katsina State Government has directed the immediate closure of all public schools across the state following increasing security threats and bandit attacks in several communities, according to THE NATION. The announcement was made on Friday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, during a press briefing in Katsina.
Jibia stated that the decision became necessary to protect students and teachers as security agencies roll out a new statewide strategy aimed at enhancing school safety. He acknowledged that students are currently in the middle of examinations but emphasized that “protecting lives and property remains the top priority.”
Describing the measure as temporary, the commissioner said the shutdown would remain in effect until a thorough security review is conducted in identified high-risk areas. The move follows findings by The Nation indicating that recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States have heightened anxiety among parents and authorities across the North-West.
Jibia assured residents that academic activities would resume as soon as security assessments are completed and adequate protective measures are implemented. “The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume soon after security assessments are completed and adequate protection measures are put in place,” he added.