The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the state following worsening security threats and a fresh wave of bandit attacks in several communities.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, announced the directive on Friday while briefing journalists in Katsina. He said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect students and teachers while security agencies roll out a new statewide school-safety plan.
Jibia acknowledged that students are currently sitting examinations but stressed that safeguarding lives remains the government’s foremost priority.
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That the move comes amid heightened tension in the North-West, triggered by recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states. The incidents have renewed fears among parents and officials over the vulnerability of schools to bandit attacks.
“The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume soon after security assessments are concluded and adequate protection measures are put in place,” Jibia said.
He added that authorities are working closely with security agencies to ensure that the new protective framework is implemented swiftly across all affected areas.
