Another State Govt Closes All Schools Over Rising Insecurity

The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the state following escalating security threats and banditry attacks reported in several communities.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, confirmed the directive on Friday while briefing journalists in Katsina.

As reported by The Nation, Jibia said the measure became necessary to safeguard students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school-safety strategy.

He noted that although students are currently writing examinations, protecting lives and property remains the top priority.

The commissioner described the shutdown as a temporary step that will remain in place pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.

“The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume soon after security assessments are completed and adequate protection measures are put in place,” Jibia added.

The decision follows recent abductions of secondary-school students in Kebbi and Niger states, a development that has heightened anxiety among parents and authorities across the North-West.

Katsina has also had its own experiences in recent times.
In August, at least 32 people were confirmed killed after a dawn terror attack on worshippers at Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The assailants, identified as bandits, stormed the community mosque at about 5 a.m. while residents were observing Fajr prayers.

They opened fire on the worshippers in what officials described as a reprisal attack.

In September, seven people were reportedly killed when bandits launched an attack on Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina.