The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools in the state following rising security threats and recent bandit attacks in several communities.
The directive was confirmed on Friday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, during a briefing with journalists in Katsina.
Jibia explained that the measure is necessary to safeguard students and teachers while security agencies implement a new, state-wide safety strategy for schools.
He acknowledged that students are currently sitting for examinations but emphasised that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s top priority.
“The closure is a temporary measure and will remain in effect until a thorough security review is completed in high-risk areas,” Jibia said.
The decision comes in the wake of recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States, which has heightened anxiety among parents and authorities across the North-West.
“The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume once security assessments are completed and adequate protection measures are in place,” the Commissioner added.