The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools following escalating security threats and renewed bandit attacks in several communities.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, announced the directive on Friday while briefing reporters in Katsina.
He said the decision became necessary to protect students and teachers as security agencies begin implementing a new statewide safety strategy for schools.
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Jibia explained that although examinations are ongoing in many schools, safeguarding lives remains the government’s top priority.
He described the shutdown as a temporary measure that will remain in force pending a comprehensive security assessment of identified high-risk areas.
Findings by The Nation indicate that the move comes on the heels of recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states—incidents that have heightened concern among parents and authorities across the North-West.
“The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume as soon as security reviews are concluded and adequate protection measures are in place,” the Commissioner added.
