Katsina Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the state due to rising security concerns.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on Friday ordered the immediate closure of boarding schools across Katsina State, prompting thousands of students to return home shortly after the announcement.
The ministry appealed to parents, caregivers, teachers, and the general public to comply with the directive as authorities continue to monitor the security situation to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Although an official statement had not been released as of press time, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, told DW Hausa that the shutdown was a precautionary measure following recent attacks in neighbouring states.
He noted that most schools had already completed their first-term academic work.
“Only examinations remain for our students,” Jibia explained, adding that the government must take necessary steps to avert potential attacks.
Katsina, located in Nigeria’s North-West region, shares a border with Kebbi State, where gunmen abducted 26 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, earlier this week.
The state has a history of school abductions, including the December 2020 Kankara incident in which more than 300 boys were kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School before being freed days later.
The attack led to the temporary closure of all boarding schools at the time.
Other notable incidents include the August 2021 abduction of ten students and a teacher in Faskari, and the January 2024 kidnapping of two female students from Al-Qalam University.
The latest shutdown comes amid a resurgence of attacks across several northern states.
(Channels Tv)
