November 21, (THEWILL) — The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the state following escalating security threats and renewed bandit attacks in several communities.
The directive was announced on Friday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, during a press briefing in Katsina.
Jibia said the measure became necessary to prioritise the safety of students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide strategy to secure learning environments.
The decision comes on the heels of recent student abductions in Kebbi and Niger states—incidents that have heightened anxiety among parents and education stakeholders across the North-West.
Jibia acknowledged that students are currently sitting examinations but maintained that the government “cannot risk the safety of any child or school personnel.”
“The closure is a temporary measure and will remain in effect until a thorough security review is completed in high-risk areas,” he said.
He added that the government is working closely with security agencies to fast-track the assessment process and reinforce protective measures in vulnerable communities.
“The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume once security reviews are concluded and adequate protection measures are in place,” Jibia stated.
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