The Katsina and Plateau state governments have ordered the closure of schools in response to rising bandit attacks on educational institutions across parts of the country.
In Katsina, Yusuf Jibia, commissioner for basic and secondary education, announced the shutdown on Friday while briefing journalists.
Jibia said the decision was taken to protect students and teachers as security agencies roll out a new statewide school safety strategy.
He noted that the directive also affects students currently writing examinations, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains the state government’s top priority.
According to him, the closure is a temporary measure that will remain in place pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas. He added that normal academic activities would resume once assessments are completed and adequate protection measures implemented.
Jibia urged parents, teachers, and residents to comply with the directive as officials continue to monitor the evolving security situation.
In Plateau, Richard Jonah, public relations officer (PRO) of the Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), confirmed the closure in a statement issued on Friday in Jos.
Jonah said the directive underscores “the urgent need for preventive action and to safeguard lives and property in the state”.
He stated that government junior model secondary schools will close from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will close from Monday, November 24.
The SUBEB spokesperson explained that the closure is a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential security threats, adding that it aims to reassure communities that the state government is prioritising the wellbeing of pupils and students.
Jonah also urged local government education authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to fully comply with the directive and remain vigilant.
The actions by both state governments come after the recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states, events that have heightened anxieties among parents and authorities across the north-west.
